In my research essay I intend to explore the idea that if young children are exposed to music early on and taught to compose by ear rather than by learning music theory, they will become more successful musicians and may even develop perfect pitch as they get older. To do this, I will do research centered around topics such as audiation and perfect pitch. I will also look into the benefits of learning music theory at a young age and compare that to the success of children who don’t learn how to read sheet music, but know how to play a song on a piano after hearing it once.
https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/782/
Background: This is a case study that examines the perceptions of 3 professional musicians on the impact of focused aural experiences in developing musicianship. This study aims to provide a perspective on the complex experiences that shape musical development specifically through the lens of focused aural experiences, describe the nature of those experiences, and offer another pathway towards understanding the nature of music learning, the development of musicianship, and notions about the multidimensional nature of talent and ability.
How I intend to use it: I will use this source to examine how musical development is shaped through aural experiences rather than memorization of sheet music.
Background: This is an analysis on various methods for teaching preschool aged children how to play piano.
How I intend to use it: I will use this source to support my hypothesis by examining what method do and do not work well when trying to teach a young child music education.
Background: This is a review of a book about how children develop musical intelligence.
How I intend to use it: I will use this to support my idea that children can learn to play music by ear and it is beneficial to their musical intelligence.
Background: This source looks at playing by ear and the development of music skills in preschool aged children.
How I intend to use it: I will use this to develop my idea that young children can develop strong musical ability by being taught to play by ear at an early age.
Background: This is an exploration of whether not perfect pitch is a natural ability or a learned skill.
How I intend to use it: I will use this to examine how children can learn strong musical ability such as perfect pitch at a young age.
Counterintuitive Fall 2024 