The Power of Early Music Education: 
Cultivating Creativity Through Audiation

Many music education systems prioritize theoretical knowledge; the formal rules, structures, and concepts behind music; rather than experiential learning; the direct experience of making or listening to music. However, this approach actually hinders a child’s ability to succeed as a musician. Experiential learning emphasizes active, hands-on engagement with music in ways that develop intuitive, aural, and creative skills. Ear training allows children to cultivate the auditory skills necessary to experience these engagements, ultimately strengthening their perception of music and their potential to develop outstanding abilities such as perfect pitch. All children have the aptitude to become musical geniuses, so long as they are immersed in environments that foster an active and meaningful engagement with sound early on in their development, and these skills are brought out heavily through music experience and audiation more so than the study of music theory.

Music theory refers to the study of the fundamental elements and guidelines used by musicians to put interpretations and meaning to what they hear. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the understanding of scales, chords, rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and notation. Although knowledge of music theory can provide valuable insights into understanding music structure, it emphasizes abstract concepts that may not resonate with young learners and therefore fail to set them up for success as they build upon their education. For many children, the complexity of music theory can overshadow the joy of musical expression, making it seem like a chore rather than a creative outlet.

Music educator Edwin Gordon coined the term audiation, which describes the ability to hear and understand music in one’s mind without physical sound being present. It is essentially the process of mentally playing music and making sense of it and is fundamental to developing musical skills. Though similar, audiation is not the same as aural perception. Aural perception occurs simultaneously as a sound is being heard, while audiation happens after the sound is no longer audible. The Gordon Institute for Music Learning said, “Audiation is the musical equivalent of thinking in language. When we listen to someone speak we must retain in memory their vocal sounds long enough to recognize and give meaning to the words the sounds represent. Likewise, when listening to music we are at any given moment organizing in audiation sounds that were recently heard.” Audiation also involves being able to make predictions about what comes next in music based on the rhythm and tone. Ear training, a closely related concept, involves exercises that help students identify, comprehend, and reproduce music by listening. This method encourages students to engage with music in an instinctual way, allowing them to internalize musical patterns and sounds. By focusing on audiation and ear training, children can develop a more intuitive grasp of music, fostering creativity and expression.

The more children are exposed to music early on and taught how to audiate, the more likely they are to develop the amazing ability known as perfect pitch, or absolute pitch. Perfect pitch is the very rare talent that allows an individual to identify or recreate a musical note without any sort of reference tone. For instance, a person with perfect pitch can hear a sound and instantly recognize it as an “A” or an “E-flat.” It also enables a person to distinguish whether two notes are exactly one octave apart or slightly more or less. The development of perfect pitch is closely linked to early and consistent exposure to music, particularly through ear training exercises that help children build a finely tuned sense of pitch. Though perfect pitch is often considered an innate ability, studies show that it can be cultivated through early musical education, especially when a child is immersed in an environment that encourages them to listen closely and learn music by ear.

A laboratory investigation at Hamilton University revealed that perfect pitch can in fact be learned through intense training. Participants of the study were given two tests to measure their ability to correctly identify notes after hearing them, once before and once after 36 training sessions where they practiced identifying notes and differentiating between half steps. All participants showed significant improvement, and two of them were able to develop perfect pitch. Although it can be learned at any stage in life, people who have this ability have typically had it since they were very young. A child’s brain is much more flexible and absorbent of new information than the brain of an adult. Therefore, children exposed to music education at a young age are more likely to develop perfect pitch, particularly when they engage in ear training that emphasizes listening and placing pitches in various contexts.

A person’s natural ability or talent in a specific area is referred to as aptitude. In the context of music, aptitude encompasses a range of factors, including a child’s sensitivity to sound, rhythm, and musical patterns. While some children may have an innate musical aptitude, it is crucial to recognize that all children can develop musical skills with the right guidance and environment. Early exposure to music, particularly through engaging methods such as ear training, can unlock potential that might otherwise remain dormant. Musical ability is a broader term that encompasses a range of skills, including performance, composition, improvisation, and the ability to understand and analyze music. Musical success is not solely defined by technical proficiency. It also includes creativity, expression, and the ability to communicate emotions through music. By emphasizing ear training and experiential learning, children can develop a great sense of musicality that enhances their overall musical success.

By focusing on these concepts, it becomes clear that traditional music education, which heavily emphasizes music theory, may not be the most effective approach for young learners. Instead, integrating audiation and ear training into the curriculum can provide children with a more meaningful and engaging musical experience. When children learn to recognize and create music by ear, they develop a deeper connection to sound and a greater sense of autonomy in their musical journey. Immersing children in music early on also helps develop their confidence and fosters a sense of belonging. As they explore sounds and experiment with composing music, they are more likely to express their individuality and creativity. This freedom encourages them to take risks and discover their unique musical voices, further enhancing their potential for success.

In conclusion, nurturing a child’s musical potential through early exposure and ear training can lead to remarkable cognitive and emotional benefits. By prioritizing experiential learning over theoretical knowledge, we can create an environment where all children have the opportunity to thrive as musicians. The ability to develop perfect pitch, a strong sense of musical aptitude, and the skills necessary for musical success are within reach for every child, provided they are given the right tools and experiences.

References

Audiation. GIML The Gordon Institute for Music Learning. (n.d.). https://giml.org/mlt/audiation/ 

Can Perfect Pitch Be Learned?. Lundin, R. W. (1963). Music Educators Journal. https://doi.org/10.2307/3389949 

Music Theory: Basics and Fundamental Concepts. Avid. (n.d.). https://www.avid.com/resource-center/music-theory