Musical Instruments and Composition
To develop musical skills and creativity through exploring instruments and creating music.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Plays instruments with developing control
- Creates and copies rhythms
- Responds to musical elements
- Participates in group music-making
Materials
- Percussion instruments (drums, tambourines, shakers)
- Tuned instruments (chime bars, xylophones)
- Recording equipment (tablet or voice recorder)
- Simple graphic score resources
Instructions
Introduce instruments properly, teaching how to hold and play them. 'This is a xylophone. We hold the beater like this and tap gently—listen!' Good technique develops respect for instruments.
Explore sounds together. 'What sound does this drum make? Bang! And this one? It's different, isn't it? This one is higher, this one is lower.' Develop musical vocabulary.
Create music collaboratively. 'Let's make music together! I'll play the steady beat on the drum, and you can add shakers. Ready? One, two, three, four...' Play together before independent exploration.
Introduce dynamics and tempo. 'Let's play quietly... now LOUD! Now let's play slowly... now FAST!' Let children experiment with musical elements.
Record and play back compositions. 'Let's record our music so we can listen to it!' Children love hearing their creations played back. 'That's your music! You made that!'
Create simple graphic scores. 'When I point to the big circle, play loud. Small circle—play quietly.' Begin developing understanding of notation.