Music Education for Early Childhood

Faculty of Music, Department of Music Cultures & Education, Music Education for Early Childhood Major

A specialist in music and early childhood education who conveys the richness of music to children

This is a unique and valuable major nationwide, having researched and practiced music-based early childhood education since the early postwar period. The curriculum is centered on obtaining a first-class kindergarten teaching license. Music is an important part of early childhood education, and music is always present in the classroom. This major cultivates high musical ability and develops communication skills with children through music, while also cultivating people who can convey the wonders of music to children. It is important for children to encounter music for the first time, to become aware of it, and to nurture the seeds of expression. In addition to practicing music, this major also focuses on gaining a scientific understanding of children's growth and development, and the ability to support this.

Point

Preparatory course for childcare worker exams

A childcare worker qualification, which qualifies students to work as a nursery teacher at a certified childcare center, nursery school, or child welfare facility, can be obtained by passing the childcare worker examination, which is held simultaneously twice a year nationwide. For students taking this exam, we offer a prep course for the exam. Every year, many students graduate with a childcare worker qualification. For students Music Education for Early Childhood, we will subsidize the examination fee (application fee) for the "childcare worker examination."

• Basic Course
• Specialized Course

Department Introduction

Class and Activity Introduction

Music Education Seminar (Eurhythmics)

Through practical experience, students will learn about the connection between music and movement, and explore the importance of developing musical expression in young children through physical activity.

Expression Education

Students will learn expressive techniques and methods in a variety of fields, including Japanese drumming, theater and movement, and the making of cardboard play equipment, handmade musical instruments, and dolls.

Early Childhood Education Methodology

Students will acquire basic knowledge and skills regarding early childhood education methods and techniques, and the use of information devices and teaching materials in childcare.

Teaching Practice

Students will undergo a four-week teaching practice at Kunitachi College of Music Kindergarten, kindergartens in their hometowns, etc. They will utilize the knowledge and skills they learned at College to acquire practical skills as early childhood educators.

Vocal Expression and Instrumental Expression (Piano) Performance Recital

This recital is the culmination of four years of practical lessons. Students will perform the vocal and piano graduation exam pieces to enhance their musical expression.

in Focus - “Yokyo Day”

This is an end-of-year event where students can showcase the results of their year's learning in expressive classes such as eurhythmics, percussion, operetta, and art. In addition to performances in the hall, such as musical plays that students create themselves, from scripts to music, choreography, and costume design, and Japanese drumming performances, the foyer also features an exhibition of play equipment, picture books, musical instruments, and other works created in class. Because the students are responsible for everything from planning to running the event, the sense of accomplishment at the end is all the more special.

Student's Voice

Eurhythmics mock childcare class
Both the teacher and the child actors have some realizations.

SASAI Ririka
​
Department of Music Cultures & Education, Music Education for Early Childhood, 4th year
Graduated from Shitennoji Higashi High School, Osaka 
Music Education for Early Childhood + Early Childhood Music Instructor Course

In the "Children and Expression" class, students divided into roles of children and teachers and conducted mock childcare activities while learning about eurhythmics teaching methods. In this class, students gained a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of each type of music and focused on how to interact with children to bring out their musical expression. By considering the perspectives of both caregivers and children, students were able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses and gained many realizations. In their "Teaching Practice" from their third year, they hope to use what they learned in class to create an experience that children will find "fun!" It was also a very meaningful experience to plan and run the Tanabata Festival, a traditional event that has been held for over 60 years, all by themselves.

Faculty Message

Find out what's fun about your child!

HAYASHI Hiroko
​
Music Education for Early Childhood
Specialty: Childcare and early childhood education

In order to become a specialist in early childhood education or music in the future, you will need both theory and practice. They are like the two wheels of a bicycle. In class, you will not only learn theory, but also put yourself in the field of early childhood education and music, learning about the actual behavior of children and the role of teachers. We place great importance on practical learning, visiting not only childcare and educational facilities, but also child-rearing support centers and children's cultural facilities, and listening to talks by experts.

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Department leaflet