The Use of Music CDs and DVDs in the Home with the Under-Fives

THIS ARTICLE REPORTS ON parents' perceptions of the way music CDs and DVDs were used with children under the age of five in the home environment. This was part of a study that explored the musical practices of parents with children at home. A survey was sent to parents in three preschools, asking about parental music background, young children's involvement in music programs, types of music children were exposed to in the home, and frequency of musical activities conducted in the home. Following the survey, focus groups were conducted to further tease out trends that emerged in the survey. One of the trends was the reliance parents placed on music CDs and DVDs in providing music for their children. The use of these materials in the home is discussed, as are implications for parents and early childhood educators.