This workshop will introduce the relevant issues concerning teaching of early childhood music.  It will involve an understanding of the music development of the early years, planning of appropriate activities and classroom management skills.  Major topics on early childhood development and music teaching methodologies will be discussed to give participants a good grasp of the various approaches in planning for preschool music classes.  

 

Specifically it will provide:

 

• professional advice to early childhood teachers who wish to embark on a career in early childhood music teaching;

• guidance to equip participants in pedagogical skills as well as upgrade their musical abilities;

• practical understanding in early childhood music such as lesson and course planning, choice of suitable materials and presentation;

• professional assistance to candidates preparing for the Diploma in Early Childhood Music Teaching examination conducted by London College of Music Examinations (University of West London).

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Pre-Requisites

 

A minimum qualification of an LCME Theory Grade 5 or equivalent is needed upon registration for the Diploma in Early Childhood Music Teaching Examinations. Participants are expected to have their own students for the video taping of video submission components in the diploma exam

 

Structure

 

The workshop duration is 20 hours.   The workshop will help candidates in the preparation of all the components of the Diploma in Teaching Early Childhood Music- examination.  In addition, candidates are expected to gain experience in the conduct of their own classroom teaching sessions and to take videos of teaching with their own students.

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Workshop topics will include the following:

 

(1) Introduction to Child Development

Introduces foundational knowledge of the development of young children.  This module emphasizes the importance of observations in early childhood education. Participants are expected to gain a critical understanding of the developmental needs of toddlers and pre-schoolers.

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(2) Early Childhood Education – Philosophies & Practices

Participants will study theories of teaching and learning, which explore and apply the philosophy, pedagogy and practices of teaching in early education settings.  They will examine early childhood education from the historical and philosophical perspectives. The module will introduce the tenets of early childhood education, developmentally, culturally and individually appropriate practices for young children.

 

The emphasis of this module will be on the development of young children in all key areas of functioning,-physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.  Candidates will describe typical children at different points in development in terms of their characteristics, feelings, thoughts and observable behaviours. 

 

Also, major theories in child development will be introduced to help candidates understand how these theories have influenced thinking about children‘s development. In addition, formal observation and recording techniques will be discussed to interpret and analyse their behaviours.

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(3) Music Education – Principles and Philosophies

Music Education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music.  It touches on all domains of learning, including the psychomotor domain (the development of skills), the cognitive domain (the acquisition of knowledge), and, in particular and significant ways, the affective domain, including music appreciation and sensitivity.  This module will introduce major aspects of music education and will study the theories and philosophies of music education and the major pedagogical methodologies and approaches to music teaching.

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(4) Teaching Music in Early Childhood

This module presents various strategies for teaching music effectively.  The preparation of lesson plans, teaching objectives and outcomes will be discussed. Activities will involve developing pitch, vocal, rhythmic, instrumental, listening, movement and creative responses in young children.   Selection and choice of music teaching materials relevant to each age group will also be presented and discussed.

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(5) Principles and Practice of Classroom Management

This module examines fundamental concerns and issues, theories and research regarding classroom teaching practices, policies, controversies and professional development. 

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(6) Issues, Concerns and Researches  in Preschool Education

This module examines fundamental concerns and issues, theories and research regarding classroom teaching practices, policies, controversies and professional development. 

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(7) Practical Application :  Singing and Keyboard Performance

Teachers teaching early childhood music classes should be able to sing in tune.  They should also be able to use the keyboard effectively, to provide not only harmonic accompaniment but also to make music lessons exciting and fun for pre-school children, using suitable songs for children.  This module will provide practice for candidates to achieve proficiency in their singing and keyboard performance.

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(8) Preparation of submission requirements

This module will assist candidates in the preparation of the submissions in fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Early Childhood Music Teaching by the London College of Music Examinations.

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Post-Workshop Sessions

 

2 sessions (1 hour for each session) of special on-line assistance will be provided prior to the external exam.  Relevant questions and issues may be posted on-line for discussion.