The state of material play In ECEC music practice– a narrative synthesis review

This review aims to collect, sort, and analyse knowledge on the state of research in early childhood music education. Previous research on early childhood education and care (ECEC) environments reveal a lack of access to music materials or instruments in Norwegian kindergartens (Kines & Nilsen, 2023; Vist & Os, 2019). To further investigate those findings, a systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed international research on music practices in ECEC from the last two decades. The included studies were screened for findings on aspects of material music practice, and 21 publications were included in the review. The included studies were coded for findings on music- environments, activities and teachers, and a narrative synthesis was done to connect findings and describe how the studies relate to the research aim. Preliminary analysis show that self-reported lack of musical competence among generalist teachers is widespread and include a lack of skills in playing music instruments. The lack of accessible music materials reported in Norway are also reported in various other settings around the world. Very few studies specifically investigate how and for what activities music materials are used, but some find that instrument or material play is prioritized lower than singing and other music activities. Some studies include perspectives on how improving teacher competence and confidence through training may help teachers facilitate activities with music materials. Others suggest that through developing teacher values and pedagogical methods towards a more exploratory and playful music practice, teachers can facilitate for such activities without feeling insecure from a lack of music performance skills. Since both these perspectives are important for understanding how teachers facilitate for music activities and environments with accessible music materials, they have implications for teacher training and professional development. Also, future research on music practice in ECEC should be sensitive to such differing positions in their design and analysis