In optimum music development, just as in optimum language development, parents and caregivers model the sounds they want their children to hear and then eventually speak, read, and write.  In optimum music development, just as in optimum language development, that process is provided over the course of several years through unstructured and structured informal guidance.  That unstructured and structured informal guidance is the basis for formal guidance that begins as each child enters school.

    The most important music models you can provide for your children in class and at home are 1) free and continuous movements to all kinds of live and/or recorded music, 2) free and continuous movements to your singing or chanting, 3) and the use of breath before you move, sing, or chant.