Book reviews: Music in Early Childhood

While there will always be methodological purists, the vast majority of Early Years Practitioners (EYPs) I have encountered are pedagogical omnivores, keen to gobble up anything which aids the holistic development of children. For me, the best EYPs are able to switch modes – they may be using direct instruction and B.F. Skinner-style behaviourism to deliver group singing one minute, and the next guiding children through exploratory, organic child-led discovery of their own musical preferences. Thankfully, in her new book, Susan Young doesn't favour a narrow approach nor claim to provide ‘everything you need to know’. Instead, the book provides a broad overview of many of the movers and shakers in Early Years and some rare gems from lesser-known theorists.