The title should be taken absolutely literally. Here is a definition of music that will greatly facilitate the work of educators. Instead of teaching theory and technique, their task will be to encourage and guide a variety of spontaneous, playful behaviors with sound until they take the shape of authentic musical invention. This book’s purpose is to help not just teachers, but also parents and day-care providers in this undertaking. Current knowledge of extra-European music and of musical research from the last few decades allows a broader perspective for examining the goals and means of creative musical initiation. After having dealt with different problems that an educator is likely to encounter - which instruments should be built? Is it important to draw sheet music? Must the goal be to produce a work of music? et al. – the author describes the different stages of a didactic progression, with a large number of concrete examples. This pedagogical book is therefore the only one of its kind, stimulating each child’s musical gifts in a way that is both playful and serious.

A book intended for both educators and parents that aims to renew the approach to teaching music by encouraging children’s musical creativity.