Polish and American preschool children’s preferences for and perceptions of popular music

The purpose of this multiple case study was to examine Polish and American preschool children’s preferences for and perceptions of popular music. The research questions were: (1) What popular music do preschool children prefer from a list of songs teachers typically use in formal instruction? and (2) How do preschool children perceive popular music used by teachers in formal instruction? Participants were fifteen children from Poland and nine children from the United States between the ages of 4 and 6. Data included observation, field notes, guided conversation, drawings and a sound questionnaire. Results indicated that children preferred popular music that they previously knew with a fast tempo and strong beat and music from children’s films, the radio and the internet. Children’s perceptions of popular music centred on lyrics, and they were more able to move and draw about music than describe it verbally. Teachers can learn more about the popular music children prefer and how they perceive it to craft more relevant and engaging music education experiences.