The Music Together curriculum was developed based on research about both how young children learn and about how they develop musically. Coauthors Kenneth K. Guilmartin and Lili M. Levinowitz, Ph.D., were influenced by many of the top researchers in these fields. We’ve compiled a list of online and off-line resources for parents who are interested in learning more about their children’s development.

Lili’s Book Review

I remember, when my child was young, how important it was for me to feel up-to-date on information regarding children’s growth and development. Now, to help others stay current, I will periodically prepare a book review for the “adults who love” the children in our Music Together program.

	REVIEW: Mind in the Making, by Ellen Galinsky
	This book provides some insight into how to support the learning and growth of young children and gives evidence that the Music Together processes are indeed supportive of that learning and growth.

Deeper Learning Resources (Index):

 Read more about ongoing development and research projects.

Early Childhood Development/Education

 Dr. Lilian Katz

 Dr. Howard Gardner

 Other Resources

Children's Music Development

 Music Together Publications

 Dr. Edwin Gordon

 Other Resources

 Further Recommended Reading

Resources for Families with Children with Special Needs

 Books

 Support and Advocacy Groups

 Organizations

 Websites

Early Childhood Development/Education

Dr. Lillian Katz
A professor at the University of Illinois for nearly three decades, Dr. Lillian Katz deeply influenced the understanding of the best ways to teach young children and affected best practices for early childhood education.

Websites:

http://illinoisearlylearning.org/ask-dr-katz.htm#bio
The website of the Illinois Early Learning Project, featuring an “Ask Dr. Katz” page.

http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/pubs/katzsym/intro.pdf
Introductory material prepared for a symposium honoring Dr. Katz, this document gives an overview of her career, research, and its influences on early childhood education.

Selected Publications:

The Case for Mixed-Age Grouping (available on ERIC for free)
http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED326302.pdf
These chapters provide an overview of Dr. Katz’s research regarding the benefits of multi-age classrooms for young children.

Helm, J. H., & Katz, L. G. (2001). Young investigators: The project approach in the early years. New York: Teachers College Press. (ERIC Document No. ED448856)

Katz, L. G. (1977). Ethical issues in working with young children. Champaign, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education. (ERIC Document No. ED144681)

Katz, L. G. (1995). Talks with teachers of young children: A collection. Norwood, NJ: Ablex. (ERIC Document No. ED380232)

Katz, L. G., & Chard, S. C. (1989). Engaging children's minds: The project approach. Norwood, NJ: Ablex. (ERIC Document No. ED407074)

Katz, L. G., & Chard, S. C. (2000). Engaging children's minds: The project approach (2nd ed.). Stamford, CT: JAI Press. (ED456892)

Dr. Howard Gardner
Learn more about Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory and how it has been applied in early childhood classrooms—including ours!

Website:

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=19

Selected Publications:

Gardner, Howard. (1993.) Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books.

Other Resources

Association for Early Childhood International
An organization for early childhood educators, their “Sharing Knowledge” page provides resources on the education of young children that are of interest to parents, too.
http://acei.org/knowledge

Early Childhood Research and Practice Journal
This electronic, open-access journal features articles related to the development, care, and education of children from birth to age eight.
http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/

National Association for the Education of Young Children
A professional organization for early childhood educators, the section of their website for families provides resources that might be of particular interest as you begin to think about formal education for your young child.
http://www.naeyc.org/families

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Children’s Music Development

Music Together Publications

Music and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
An in-depth exploration of your child’s musical development, written by Music Together® coauthors Kenneth K. Guilmartin and Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz.

 Purchase from Music Together’s online store

Music Together at Home: Helping Your Child Grow Musically 
(booklet and DVD)

Given to every new family when they enroll in Music Together, the Parent Guide DVD provides an overview of the research basis of the Music Together program. The DVD features program founders Ken Guilmartin and Dr. Lili Levinowitz discussing the four points of the Music Together philosophy.

 Ask your director for a replacement if you need one.

Growing and Learning with Music Together Chart
Given to every new family during their first semester of Music Together, this chart provides insight into your child’s musical development over time.

 Ask your director for a replacement if you need one.

Music Together newsletter articles
The Music Together newsletter, PlayAlong, featured articles on children’s music development. 

 Visit our Newsletter Archives page to read past issues. 

 “The Importance of Music in Early Childhood” by Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz

 Read this article.

“Early Childhood Music Education in the New Millennium” by Kenneth K. Guilmartin

 Read this article.

“Music Together as a Research-based Program” by Susan Hoffman

 Read this article.

Dr. Edwin Gordon
Music Together® coauthor Dr. Lili Levinowitz was one of Dr. Gordon’s graduate students at Temple University in the 1980s. His Music Learning Theory influenced her and Ken as they developed the Music Together program.

Website:

http://www.giml.org/mlt_earlychildhood.php

Selected Publications

Gordon, E. (1997). A music learning theory for newborn and young children. Chicago: GIA Publciations, Inc.

Other Resources

Children’s Music Network
The Children’s Music Network is an organization of educators, performers, and parents that celebrates children’s music.

 Visit their website: www.cmnonline.org

Further Recommended Reading

• The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind, and Body by Steven Mithen
  Drawing on archaeological record and current research on neurology and genetics, archeologist Dr. Steven Mithen explains how and why humans think, talk, and make music the way they do.
  
  
• Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks
  Renowned neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks examines the power of music through the individual experiences of patients, musicians, and everyday people. Music is irresistible, haunting, and unforgettable, and in Musicophilia, Oliver Sacks explores why.
  
  
• This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin
  Prior to completing his doctorate and becoming a top researcher into how our brains interpret music, Levitin was a successful rock musician and producer! Using neurology, psychology, and music theory, Dr. Daniel Levitin explores why music affects us so deeply.
  
  
• “Birth of the Beat,” Science News, August 14, 2010.
  This article from a special music issue of Science News magazine discusses how the melodic roots of music might be related to exchanges between mothers and children.
  
  
• Before the Dawn: Recovering the Lost Story of Our Ancestors by Nicolas Wade
  Beginning with our common ancestors who lived millions of years ago, Wade explores the latest theories about the development of our species and why we homo sapiens evolved differently from our primate cousins, chimpanzees and bonobos. In the book, the author also speculates about how the importance of music in early religious/social situations may have affected natural selection and, thus, the development of the species. 

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Resources for Families with Children with Special Needs

Books

• Biel, Lindsey, and Nancy Peske. Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues. New York: Penguin, 2005.
  This book was written by an occupational therapist and a mother of a child with a sensory processing disorder. It gives real life examples and strategies for coping. 
  
  
• Brodey, Denise. The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About the Extraordinary Highs and Heartbreaking Lows of Raising Kids with Special Needs. New York: Penguin, 2007.
  The title says it all!
  
  
• Gallagher, Gina, and Patricia Konjoian. Shut Up About...Your Perfect Kid. City Unknown: Shut Up Industries. 2007.
  Written by mothers of children with special needs.
  
  
• Heller, Sharon. Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight. New York: Harper Collins, 2003.
  What to do if you are sensory defensive in an overstimulating world.
  
  
• Kranowitz, Carol Stock, and Lynn Balzer-Martin, Deanna Iris Sava, Elizabeth Haber, and Stacey Szklut. Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration. Second Edition. Richmond: Sensory Resources, LLC, 2004.
  Written by the leading experts on Sensory Integration. Practical suggestions for classroom teachers that may help Music Together teachers.
  
  
• Kranowitz, Carol Stock, and Lucy Jane Miller. The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition. New York: Penguin, 2005.
  Considered the book of choice by those who know and love children with sensory processing disorder.
  
  
• Kranowitz, Carol Stock. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorders. New York: Penguin.2003.
  A helpful companion to the books listed above. Gives practical tips that may help Music Together teachers in lesson planning.
  
  
• Meisenbach Boylan, Kristi. Born to be Wild: Freeing the Spirit of the Hyper-Active Child. New York: Perigee. 2003
  A book devoted to advocating embracing the hyper aspects of your kid as a gift, not a problem.

Support and Advocacy Groups

Attention Deficit Disorder Association: www.add.org
Information on ADD and ADH, research, advocacy, and family services.

Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
Full of information on autism, research, advocacy, and family services.

International Rett Syndrome Foundation: www.rettsyndrome.org
Information on Rett Syndrome, awareness, and advocacy

National Down Syndrome Society: www.ndss.org
Leader in enhancing the quality of life and realizing the potential of all people with Down syndrome.

Neurospychology Central: www.neuropsychologycentral.com
Information and frequently asked questions about the role of neuropsychologists in evaluating children with apparent special needs.

Sensory Processing Disorders Foundation: www.spdfoundation.net
Expanding knowledge, fostering awareness, and promoting recognition of Sensory Processing Disorder.

Sensory Processing Disorder Resource Center: www.sensory-processing-disorder.com
A good beginning resource for people interested in learning more about sensory processing disorders.

Special Needs Resource Project: www.snrproject.com
A basic guide for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities, and special needs.

United Cerebral Palsy: www.ucp.org
Information on cerebral palsy and a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability.

Organizations

American Music Therapy Association: www.musictherapy.org

American Physical Therapy Association: www.apta.org

American Occupational Therapy Association: www.aota.org

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: www.asha.org

The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders: www.icdl.com

United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (disability info on pervasive developmental disorders): www.nichcy.org/pubs/factshe/fs20txt.htm

Zero to Three: www.zerotothree.org

Websites

Disability is Natural: www.disabilityisnatural.org

West Music: www.westmusic.com 
Instruments and props that make the music and movement experience accessible for people with disabilities.

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