Playing by ear and the development of music skills at pre-school age

The aim of the present research was to investigate the evolutionary course of rhythmic development in pre-school children in a private kindergarten (age 4–5 years) in Athens, Greece, through Lucy Green’s ‘Playing by ear’ method. Tools and strategies taken from qualitative methodology, and more specifically from action-research were used. What was investigated was to what extent the ‘Playing by ear’ method developed the rhythmic skills of the students and to what extent it enhanced the students’ ability to play music in small groups without the teacher’s instructions. It is important to mention that the research was conducted in connection with the goals set in the Analytical Curriculum of the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs (ΥΠ.Ε.Π.Θ.). The results of the research showed that Green’s ‘Playing by ear’ method helped the students’ development of rhythmic ability with the use of musical instruments, as well as their rhythmic ability through kinetic behaviour. It also helped students to engage in early experimentation. Finally, the method enhanced the students’ ability to play music in small groups without the teacher’s continuous and direct instruction, developing in this way new communication and cooperation practices and skills.