Music Education Students Bring Fun to Child Development Center

Music education students at the Jean Tyson Child Development Center.

A collaboration between the Jean Tyson Child Development Center and the Department of Music’s Intro to Music Education class is bringing a unique opportunity to children and students. Interactive music sessions known as “music zoos” bring creative learning of musical instruments to the children in the center, as well as providing the music education students the chance to practice their teaching skills. 

The instrumental students are providing instrument demonstrations, explaining a little bit about what they’re playing and letting the children see how it is played, while the choral education students sing songs with the children and teach them a little about melody and lyrics.

“April 16 was our first day at the center, and our collaboration was met with enthusiasm from both our music education students and the childcare staff,” said Dan Abrahams, music education coordinator. “This partnership not only provides a valuable first teaching experience for our students but also fosters positive interactions between the university and the local community.”

The music sessions will last until April 25. For more information, visit the Jean Tyson Child Development Center website.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.