Early Childhood Music Education

Learning the fundamentals of music theory at a young age Patrick Drake and I

We have constructed a group of platonic solids that react to touch with color and sound. These objects will be utilized by children to 1. complete lessons created by the teacher and 2. explore. In addition to our 3-d objects (our individual device/ small screen) the medium screen is a touch sensitive table that reacts to the user and platonic solids. The table displays an interface that takes the children through the activities as they explore individually or in groups. The table displays user information, class modules, progress, and visuals for the children to follow along with. The hub is located online in a larger network that can be accessed from an iPad, laptop, or desktop. The hub allows teachers to monitor the class, create lessons, and share lessons. For students, the hub displays their progress in the class as well as recordings of objectives and “free-play” sessions. Our community of kindergarten music classes can benefit from this system in multiple ways. Music education is known to have bi-products that enhance the cognitive skills of developing minds. By creating a simple tangible object (rather than just touch) that targets different fundamentals of music theory, we hope to bridge the gap between technology and music for young children which is something xylophones and boom sticks cannot offer. It is also hard for teachers to totally understand whether or not each child is keeping up with the exercises and retaining the information. With the hub, not only will the instructor have a better grasp of how to tailor to each student or group but the parents too, will be able to monitor their child’s understanding of music theory.