ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of scholarly activity in early childhood music across the birth to five years age phase. It focuses on the last decade but also introduces earlier research and theory that has paved the way for the more recent activity. The chapter aims to be broad in scope, including mention of research at all levels from the micro level of brain activity to macro cultural and political issues in international contexts. The chapter plots the paradigm and practice shifts that have characterized early childhood music education in the last 10–15 years. Individual sections go on to discuss musical development, musical play, musical engagement, and pedagogy and learning. Although many topics are introduced, the substantial bibliography leads the reader on to further sources in order to expand their knowledge and understanding.
