Capitol News

Michigan State University's Community Music School in Detroit is making strides in early childhood music education through a program led by Karen Salvador, Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education. The initiative focuses on children aged 0-7, an age group often overlooked by other music programs. Salvador is working to elevate the program, now called the Early Childhood Music Play Laboratory, which operates from both East Lansing and Detroit locations.

The program's new name highlights its research-based approach to musical interactions for young children. "Everything we do is research based, and the pedagogical methods that we use are developmentally appropriate," Salvador stated. She emphasized the benefits of these classes, noting their ability to spark creativity and communication among young participants.

In addition to tuition-based classes, the program partners with organizations like Brilliant Detroit and Head Start for outreach efforts. "Our programs are inclusive settings where kids and families with a variety of needs thrive," said Salvador.

Currently, sixteen undergraduate interns are learning to teach using research-backed methods. Wanda and Ed Eichler have also contributed significantly by establishing Val’s Kids Fund for Early Childhood Music Education in honor of Wanda's mother, Vallanee Luedtke Hayes.

The Eichlers' support has allowed for enhancements such as hiring Namhee Lim as a research fellow. “The Eichlers are so generous,” Salvador explained regarding their trust in her management of funds.

This initiative aims to develop educators skilled in teaching young children with developmentally appropriate practices. “Graduate students work with me...the hope is that they will start an early childhood music program like this when they finish their degrees,” Salvador noted.

Salvador appreciates the partnership with the Eichlers: “They were asking thoughtful questions about what they saw...supportive, interested, and dedicated to improving kids’ lives.”

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