Music for Fun, Music for Learning

Nancy McGregor was a freelance reviewer living in Toronto.

“Have you ever considered, what your life would be like without music? ... Impossible you say? Perhaps, but if you could walk around some of our elementary schools today or look into homes … you might not consider this idea to be quite as farfetched as it sounds.”

With these words, Lois Birkenshaw opens the third edition of her teaching manual Music for Fun, Music for Learning, first published in 1974.

Convinced that children are often exposed to music yet not taught how to listen, comprehend, or use it in relation to other facets of their development, Ms. Birkenshaw advocates an “active music program” for the schools. This she defines as a program which combines melody, rhythm, speech, and movement. Through speaking and physical exercises, game-playing, story-telling, singing, instrument-playing, and other activities, children may more naturally learn and absorb the elements of music (pitch, tempo, harmony, etc.) while gaining a love and understanding of it which will in turn assist them in their general growth and maturation.

The manual is divided into 15 chapters, beginning with “Relaxation” (which offers general relax-ation and breathing exercises), followed by one each on movement, listening, and singing. Other aspects dealt with include speech and poetry, creativity, musical notation, songs, and instruments. The author has also devoted an entire section to music education for “special children” — i.e., those with physical, mental, and/or emotional handicaps. In addition, as a further aid to teachers there are specific chapters that list and discuss recommended books and recordings for use in the classroom. Finally, a helpful glossary of terms and a detailed index are provided.

While intended primarily for those directly involved in the music (and general) education of young children, this volume should be of value and interest as well to parents and indeed anyone concerned with the positive growth and well-being of children.