The Role of Music and Art in Preschool Development
Importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD) in the U.S.
Early childhood is a time when children's brains grow rapidly, forming the foundation for how they learn, interact, and think later in life. Experiences during this stage have a long-lasting impact, making it essential to offer nurturing, engaging, and enriching environments.
Why Music and Art Are More Than Just Play
It's easy to think of singing songs or finger painting as fun distractions. But science shows they are so much more. Music helps build memory, language, and math readiness. Art helps children make choices, solve problems visually, and understand and show emotions. In a quality preschool in Sherman Oaks, you’ll find both woven into the daily schedule because they support real learning in joyful ways.
Relevance of Music and Arts Education in California Preschools
California leads in recognizing the benefits of art in early childhood. Through programs like Create CA and strong support from the California Department of Education, schools are embracing music and art in preschool as part of a balanced, whole-child curriculum. Whether in Los Angeles or a small town, creative development is gaining the spotlight.
Developmental Benefits of Music and Art in Preschool
Cognitive and Brain Development
Early music training and neural plasticity: Learning rhythm, melody, and musical patterns strengthen neural connections that support attention, logic, and early math.
Art and spatial reasoning in pre-literacy skills: Drawing shapes or patterns helps children build visual processing skills used later in reading and writing. These support preschool cognitive development and readiness for formal education.
Motor Skills and Coordination
Fine motor skills through drawing and coloring: Holding crayons, cutting paper, or molding clay builds the small hand muscles needed for writing.
Gross motor development through dance and rhythm: Dancing to music and moving in rhythm helps young children improve their balance, body awareness, and physical coordination.
Social and Emotional Growth
Music and emotional self-regulation: Songs can calm, energize, or help children name and manage their feelings.
Art for emotional expression and empathy: Drawing what they feel gives young children a voice when they don’t yet have the words. This shows the power of emotional development through art.
Language and Communication Skills
Rhyming and rhythm for phonemic awareness: Music games and nursery rhymes help children hear and play with the sounds in words.
Storytelling and visual vocabulary: Art lets children tell stories even before they can write. This builds strong expressive and receptive language skills.
Educational Frameworks Supporting Arts in Early Childhood
California Preschool Learning Foundations (CDE)
These state guidelines include detailed goals for music, visual arts, drama, and movement. They're part of what makes the California preschool curriculum unique and rich in creative learning.
National Guidelines on Arts in Early Education
National education policies and early childhood programs like Head Start encourage the use of creative activities to support children's learning, culture, and emotional well-being.
Importance of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
Developmentally appropriate practices mean meeting children where they are—socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Arts naturally fit this approach because they allow for open-ended expression.
Role of VAPA Standards in Preschool Curriculum
The Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards in California support the intentional use of music, drama, dance, and art in every preschool in Sherman Oaks and beyond.
Research-Backed Evidence: What the Studies Say
Cognitive Gains through Music Integration
Programs like Kindermusik and DAMP (Developmentally Appropriate Musical Practice) show that early childhood music education boosts memory, executive function, and pattern recognition.
Case Study: UCLA & Head Start Arts Enrichment Research
Studies in Los Angeles found that preschoolers involved in arts-rich environments showed greater school readiness, emotional control, and vocabulary development.
Cortisol Reduction & Stress Management in Disadvantaged Children
Children in stressful environments showed lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels after art and music sessions, proving that creative arts support wellbeing.
Long-Term Benefits of Arts in School Readiness and Academic Success
Children who receive strong arts exposure early on often perform better in school and maintain strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Best Practices for Integrating Music and Art in the Preschool Classroom
Daily Activities and Routines for Creative Learning
Morning songs and movement games
Free drawing time and art corners
Goodbye songs and music-based transitions
Multisensory & Play-Based Learning Approaches
Play-based learning engages the senses and lets children explore through doing—key for art and music.
Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Creative Practices
Teachers bring in songs and stories from all cultures, helping children feel seen and valued.
Using Technology and Digital Tools in Arts Learning
Interactive music apps and smart boards can complement traditional art tools, especially in a creative preschool program in LA.
Addressing Equity, Funding, and Access in Arts Education
Challenges in Low-Income or Underfunded Preschools
When school budgets are tight, art and music programs often face the first cuts—unless educators and parents actively work to keep them a priority.
Title I and Arts Grant Opportunities
Federal and state grants exist to bring arts programs to under-resourced preschools.
Role of Policy Advocacy (California PTA, Arts Council Support)
Local organizations push for better access and funding, helping preserve California arts in early education.
Measuring Success: Developmental Milestones and Outcomes
Executive Function, Self-Regulation, and Memory
Music and art teach children to focus, follow steps, and remember routines.
Vocabulary Gains and Early Literacy Outcomes
Children who sing, rhyme, and draw regularly often develop stronger vocabularies.
Observation and Documentation in Arts-Based Learning
Photos, journals, and classroom displays help teachers show and celebrate progress.
Future Trends in Preschool Music and Art Education
Integrating AI and Smart Tools in Early Arts Learning
Apps that respond to kids’ actions with music or visuals are gaining popularity in modern classrooms.
Personalized Music Therapy for Neurodivergent Children
Tailored music sessions help support communication and sensory needs.
STEAM: Bridging Creative Arts with Early STEM Learning
Art connects beautifully with science and math through patterns, measurements, and creative problem-solving.
Conclusion: Why Arts in Preschool Are Essential, Not Optional
Summary of Key Benefits
Creative experiences in music and art help young children grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially—all while giving them fun, meaningful ways to express themselves.
Final Thoughts for Educators and Parents
If you're looking for a preschool in Sherman Oaks or anywhere in California, make sure creativity is part of the experience.
Encouraging Policy-Level Support for the Arts
Advocating for continued funding, training, and respect for arts in early learning is a step toward a stronger, more joyful education system.
FAQs on Music and Art in Preschool
What are the best music activities for preschoolers?
Simple songs with actions, instrument play, and movement games.
How does art improve a child’s emotional intelligence?
It helps them express feelings and understand others through visual storytelling.
Can music help preschoolers with speech delays?
Yes, music supports rhythm, syllables, and sound play—essential parts of speech development.
How often should art be included in a weekly preschool schedule?
Ideally, art should be available daily in both structured and free-choice formats.