Music listening section and its observation approaches in the school music books written for 1-4 grade elementary school students

Abstract

School music is not among the main subjects in Hungarian schools even though it can have an important role. Examples of the skill developing and community forming power of music and singing can be found even in the literature of antiquity. In the present study we examine the music listening section of the music books written for the 1-4 elementary classes with general curriculum. Most children get acquainted with artistic music during school years, which determine whether a child becomes a concert-goer adult, listens to classical music, operas or folk music performances. Both teachers and course books have highlighted roles in children’s education. In this study aside from presenting musical extracts it is also discussed whether a satisfying number of genres are offered; whether the varied performing ensemble is reflected; whether music listening materials from all music history eras and from the present popular music are offered; whether there is an observation approach to process pieces.