Say it till a song comes (reflections on songs invented by children 3–13)

Recent publications, such as Music from 5 to 16 ( D.E.S., 1985a) and the National Criteria for Music for GCSE ( D.E.S., 1985b) reflect the now established view that composition should be a normal part of the music curriculum for all children. There is still some work to be done infurthering our understanding of children's compositions. Much of the material published so far (e.g. Loane, 1984) has concentrated on children of secondary school age. The present article offers some reflections prompted by work with younger children .