The First Steps in Music series is an attempt to preserve the rich repertoire of traditional and folk literature, and to enable today's families to recall and learn songs and rhymes that have nurtured wonder and joy in young people for generations. The authentic affection, innocence, and wonder of these songs and rhymes have the potential to plant the seeds of lifelong sensitivity and imagination.
The songs and rhymes contained in our classes have been gathered over the past twenty years. Many of the most interesting examples were collected from the elderly, who often recalled songs and/or rhymes with great affection, reminding them of loving moments the had shared with young people in the past.
The First Steps in Music curriculum is based on an extensive survey of research related to the development of singing and movement skills in young children, as well as many years of practical experience sharing musical activities with this younger age. It is this combination of a research-based curriculum, quality literature, and practical experience that makes the First Steps in Music curriculum unique.
First Steps in Music Series
Infants and Toddlers
More and more research points to the importance of music in the lives of infants and toddlers. Nurture infants and toddlers with First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers!
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Preschool and Beyond
Advanced research continually points to the importance of music in the lives of young children. You can further their musical growth with First Steps in Music!
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Upper Elementary Grades
Resources for older students to build off of what they learned in earlier grades through the First Steps in Music curriculum.
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Folk Song Picture Books
John M. Feierabend has spent decades compiling songs and rhymes from the memories of the American people in the hopes that these treasures will be preserved for future generations. A great supplemental resource to use with the First Steps in Music Series.
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The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage for the First Steps in Music curriculum is presented by GIA Publications in collaboration with the Feierabend Association for Music Education. It is our sincere belief that children and music educators deserve only the very best materials, and our purpose in creating this webpage is to provide educators with information and resources regarding the recent revision of First Steps in Music.
When new information about the racist histories and context of some of the folk songs in the First Steps curriculum was brought to our attention, the Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME) formed a committee to develop a set of standards for determining whether repertoire may be used with young children without being harmful, derogatory, or disrespectful.