At levels four, five and six, students begin to real traditional music notation. Students learn to interpret meter and key signatures as well as other musical terms. Elementary students should acquire music reading skills that would allow them to continue to enjoy music in their lives on a level commensurate with their individual skills and interests. The child's body, so often in motion, is eager to respond to the rhythms of music. Response to the organization of musical rhythms can help the child to gain confidence in the coordination and use of the body.
Rhythmic activities provide children with an area in which they can achieve and develop self-esteem.
To have confidence in the use of the body is an invaluable asset in the child's relationship with others in everyday life. Playing Instruments Besides experiencing great joy through playing instruments, children may gain other valuable skills. Grasping and manipulating such things as xylophone mallets, drum sticks, rhythm sticks, jingle bells and maracas, and fingering the notes on the recorder will help to develop fine motor skills. Creating instrumental sounds with beautiful tone quality makes listening to beautiful tones performed by others an exciting and meaningful experience. Improvisation Improvisation occurs readily with children who have had a wide variety of musical experiences.