ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter we saw how music-or more specifically the musicality of communication-is at the heart of early development. This musicality is the means by which babies form stable relationships with others and thus ensure they survive and thrive (Trevarthen, 1980). In the first year of babyhood the earliest interactions which are so importantly established through vocalisation, bodily contact, facial expression and gesture are continued and extend into more elaborated games and play-songs. We saw that it was not what is said, sung or game-played but how, and that the musical qualities and their non-verbal communicative possibilities are the key to successful early interaction. The baby is then, subtly, in charge, training the parent to provide it with all it needs-to help regulate its emotions, organise its physical self, provide information and entertainment. When children experience more varied activities with high parental involvement, affectionately and sensitively given, it bodes well for their future social and cognitive development.
