In early childhood, the most important period of learning and human development, young children often achieve developmental milestones in a short time. Learning from Young Children: Research in Early Childhood Music presents research on the importance of fostering musical growth during this period. These studies discuss:
·applying brain research to young children's musical growth
· music in the home and child-care contexts
· musical characteristics of the young child
· language acquisition as a lens on music learning
· music as a foundation for communication
· parental conceptions of the role of music in early childhood
· music as a pathway for building community
· using music to elicit vocalizations in children with special needs
With research designs ranging from statistical, mixed methods, survey, content analysis, and case study, to philosophical inquiry, this book will help practitioners base their practice in research and offers a wide range of information for scholars and researchers studying early childhood music learning and development.

Suzanne L. Burton is associate professor of music education and director of graduate studies at the University of Delaware.

Cynthia Crump Taggart is professor and chair of music education at Michigan State University, where she also directs the Early Childhood Music Program.