Accessing the musical intelligence in early childhood education

Abstract

This paper addresses how and why the musical intelligence can be used to aid students in the learning process. It explores the brain research, several short vignettes and an informal case study. Conceptually, the author suggests that music can and should be used to help students learn and retain curricular content, may be matched to tasks in preschool as an auditory reminder, and should serve as a link for cultural growth and preservation. Music in the classroom also addresses the students' emotional wellbeing. Suggestions of application for classroom teachers and learning disabilities practitioners are provided.