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Towards a model of playful music learning for primary classrooms: recommendations based on a review of literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 July 2024

Rachael Byrne Open the ORCID record for Rachael Byrne [Opens in a new window] ,
Regina Murphy Open the ORCID record for Regina Murphy [Opens in a new window] ,
Francis Ward Open the ORCID record for Francis Ward [Opens in a new window]  and
Una McCabe Open the ORCID record for Una McCabe [Opens in a new window]
Rachael Byrne*
Affiliation:
School of Arts Education and Movement, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
Regina Murphy
Affiliation:
School of Arts Education and Movement, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
Francis Ward
Affiliation:
School of Arts Education and Movement, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
Una McCabe
Affiliation:
School of Arts Education and Movement, Institute of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
*
Corresponding author: Rachael Byrne; Email: drrachaelbyrne@gmail.com
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Abstract

Playful practices have been linked to increased motivation, engagement, learning and skill development. However, limited research has explored what playful music learning might look like for primary schools, and how teachers might incorporate a range of playful music practices within their classrooms. Our conceptual model for playful music learning amalgamates and builds upon previous philosophy, theory and research in the education and music education spheres. In doing so, it extends musical play across a continuum of ownership as has been proposed by Zosh et al. (2017) in the realm of playful learning more generally. Playful elements associated with the work of music education pedagogues Kodály and Kokas and other researchers in the field are outlined. Examples of musical games-play and guided musical play for primary classrooms are illustrated, and some recommendations are provided to support teachers in facilitating increasingly playful music learning.

Keywords

Playfulownershipmusic educationKodályKokas
Type
Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , First View , pp. 1 - 12
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press

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