Rhythmic Creativity and Music

T he development of music skills, partic-ularly performance skills, is often con-sidered separate from creativity until music skills can be used in a creative way. Though an accumulation of music skills is necessary for high levels of creativity, a stu-dent’s creativity can in turn develop music skills, and the primary grades (K–2) are the ideal time. At this age, all students enjoy exploring and creating with their voice and body, as well as copying the teacher to learn new skills. Through the joy of singing, mov-ing, creating, listening, and thinking, the child develops a personal and meaningful under-standing of music. It is important for the teacher to set up the conditions for creativity and then let the child freely explore and create