Developing Attitudes Toward Music

Sometimes, in an effort to get students to love music, teachers will play pieces that they know the children will like, but doesn't really teach them anything in the long run.  There are many factors that contribute to the development of attitudes toward music, many of which are out of the teacher's control.  Anything from gender, ethnic background, age, personality, socioeconomic status, and the resulting beliefs, feelings and values that emerge contribute to a child's attitudes toward music.  Other strong influences include teachers, families, peer groups, the media, and adult authority figures.  

From preschool to age eight, children are very open to different kinds of music. During this time, it is a good idea to introduce them to as many different types of music as possible.  Around the ages of nine and ten, being cool becomes very important to children, and peer influence and the media tend to dictate what children want to listen to.  Studies show that children of this age are generally drawn more toward loud and fast music rather than soft or slow.  Regardless, teachers need to encourage children to be receptive to music they don't necessarily prefer, and help them understand and appreciate it.