What is normal musical development in a toddler?

JoannaJes

Are there any music teachers out there that know what typically develops in regards to music? How old is a child when rythym starts to develop? Or being able to match a tune? What about creating their own music?

schnappycat

My BFF is an elementary music teacher and told me once that they really don't start to expect to see consistent good rhythm and understanding of beats until Kindergarten. I also asked her about my DS because he so far seems quite tone deaf (he's really bad!) and it's upsetting to us because my DH and I are both very musical. I wanted to know what I could do to help him along and if he can still improve. She told me that some kids are on pitch at this age and others develop later, but not to give up hope yet. Young kids also sing much better and are better able to match pitch in the higher range, which was interesting. I have a lower voice, so have to make sure I sing higher when singing with him. 

DD seems much more musical so far, so it will be interesting to see how she develops.  

Jen&Len

schnappycat:

My BFF is an elementary music teacher and told me once that they really don't start to expect to see consistent good rhythm and understanding of beats until Kindergarten. I also asked her about my DS because he so far seems quite tone deaf (he's really bad!) and it's upsetting to us because my DH and I are both very musical. I wanted to know what I could do to help him along and if he can still improve. She told me that some kids are on pitch at this age and others develop later, but not to give up hope yet. Young kids also sing much better and are better able to match pitch in the higher range, which was interesting. I have a lower voice, so have to make sure I sing higher when singing with him. 

DD seems much more musical so far, so it will be interesting to see how she develops.  

That is interesting! I come from a very musical family, but DH is pretty tone deaf.  So far it seems like DS has inherited that from his papa (he looks exactly like him, so I guess it's to be expected)!  He is okay with his rhythm, just not with his pitch!  It's still so cute when he sings though!