ABSTRACT
The opportunity to play freely with instruments is absolutely essential if children are to develop skills and understanding in using them. There is no substitute for having quiet, uninterrupted time in which to explore and absorb a detailed knowledge of the instrument’s potential and how it feels to play it. Even as adults we know this for ourselves. Introduced to a new instrument, the first impulse is to try it out, at first just playing with it, being curious, delighting in discoveries, and enjoying ‘messing about’.
