Teaching music in Singapore early childhood settings : perspectives from early childhood educators, music educators and early childhood music educators

Abstract

This case study examines early childhood educators’ and music educators’ perspectives on teaching music in local preschool settings with the goal of understanding what quality early childhood music education could involve. Data was collected from 3 categories of educators, for a total of 9 cases. Data was collected through a questionnaire, activity plan document and an interview, and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that while the participants shared similar teaching practices, they had major differences in perspectives. These differences in perspective can be translated into changes in practice which can improve music education practices for the early years.