Each child will take away that bit of knowledge and skill that he or she is uniquely capable of understanding and developing. Children must be left, as much as p ossible, in control of their own learning. They should be provided with a rich environment that offers many possible routes for them to explore as they grow in awareness and curiosity about music. Very young children are capable of developing critical thinking skills through musical ideas. Children use thinking skills when making musical judgments and choices.
Children come to early childhood music experiences from diverse backgrounds.
Their home languages and cultures are to be valued and seen as attributes that enrich everyone in the learning environment. Children should experience exemplary musical sounds, activities, and materials. Children's learning time is valuable and should not be wasted on experiences with music or activities of trite or questionable quality. Children should not be encumbered with the need to meet performance goals. Opportunities should be available for children to develop accurate singing, rhythmic responses to music, and performance skills on instruments.