The Development of Children's Musical Thinking

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the development of musical thinking in children aged 1-6, the critical periods in this process, and the impact of their musical interactions on cognitive, emotional, and social development. Through a systematic literature review, the research brings together scientific studies that explore various stages, ranging from children's musical exploration to the development of musical skills, the formation of thinking processes, and the deepening of comprehension. It has been observed that, particularly in the 4-5 age group, children enhance their awareness of rhythm and melody, begin to recognize different musical instruments, and express their emotions through music. Improvisation and creativity play a crucial role during this period, emerging as fundamental components of children's musical thinking. The study also examines how children construct a musical identity through music education and what musical skills they develop. The findings emphasize that creative musical activities support children's musical thinking and overall development. Furthermore, it is highlighted that exploring musical diversity, engaging in ensemble music-making experiences, and fostering parent-child interactions significantly contribute to children's development in the context of music education.

Keywords

• Child development
• children and music
• music education
• musical thinking

Çocuğun Müziksel Düşüncesinin Gelişimi

Öz

Bu çalışma, 1-6 yaş arası çocukların müziksel düşüncelerinin gelişimi, bu süreçteki kritik dönemler ve müzikle kurdukları etkileşimlerin bilişsel, duygusal ve sosyal gelişim üzerindeki etkilerini incelemek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sistematik bir alanyazın taraması ile gerçekleştirilen araştırma, çocukların müziksel keşiflerinden müziksel beceri gelişimine, düşünme süreçlerinin oluşumu ve kavrayışın derinleşmesine kadar olan evreleri ele alan bilimsel çalışmaları bir araya getirmiştir. Özellikle 4-5 yaş grubunda, çocukların ritim ve melodi farkındalığını artırdıkları, çeşitli çalgıları tanımaya başladıkları ve müzik aracılığıyla kendi duygularını ifade edebildikleri görülmüştür. Doğaçlama ve yaratıcılık bu dönemde önemli bir rol oynarken, çocukların müziksel düşünmelerinin temel yapı taşları olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Araştırma ayrıca çocukların müzik eğitimi yoluyla nasıl bir müziksel kimlik oluşturduklarını ve hangi müziksel becerileri geliştirdiklerini de ele almıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, yaratıcı müzik etkinliklerinin çocukların müziksel düşüncelerini ve genel gelişimlerini desteklediğini vurgulamaktadır. Müzik eğitimi süreçlerinde, çocukların müziksel çeşitliliği keşfetmesinin, topluluk müzisyenliği deneyimlerinin ve ebeveyn-çocuk etkileşimlerinin gelişime önemli katkılar sağladığı belirtilmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çocuklar ve müzik
• çocuk gelişimi
• müzik eğitimi
• müziksel düşünce

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