The Mood of the Fifth: A Musical Approach to Early Childhood

by editor Foster

To create an environment that nourishes the young children in our care . . . an environment filled with beauty, warmth, and joy. . . an environment that supports the child’s growth in body, soul, and This is our goal as adults inspired by Waldorf education. And music is part of that environment! Rudolf Steiner tells us that "song is an earthly means of recalling the experience of pre-earthly existence." How can we joyfully do honor to this inspiring thought? After many years of experimenting with the mood of the fifth, I am so glad to be able to offer this collection of articles by our colleagues in the Waldorf movement. Many teachers find the journey into mood-of-the-fifth music a bit daunting; and many may share my resistance to making such a journey just because "we are supposed to." The authors in our collection present a wide variety of approaches to this topic, sharing their own experiences and research into the "what, why, and how" of mood-of-the-fifth music. -- From the Introduction by Nancy Foster

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2013

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pentatonic scales are a key element of Waldorf musical pedagogy though to adult more used to major-minor scales can be difficult to appreciate. Using the pentatonic scale and the corresponding mood of the fifth, Waldorf pedagogues create an environment full of love and support and music is a major part of that.

In this collection of essays and excerpts, a wide range of Waldorf teachers lead the reader through the pentatonic scale and the mood of the fifth to better understand how to bring children to a deeper awareness of this musical mood that better supports their development. Starting from the first steps and leading into a deeper understanding of the mood of the fifth and then at the end, a deeper discussion of music in a Waldorf environment. Of course, there is much to learn here and apply in one’s own early years’ practice, this form of music teaching is not limited to Waldorf schools.

The essays are generally informed and lead the reader from the beginning steps of this musical journey all the way to leading to full performances with children in class. I really value the Waldorf perspective in childhood development and find much value therein, but there’s a distinct lack of references not only to Steiner’s work but also wider Waldorf scholarship that would deepen many of these essayists’ work. (Plus the glaring mistake that Chinese doesn’t have a word for ‘I’.)

Overall, this is a valuable collection of work about musicology that is really well suited to early child development with much practical use throughout early year teaching

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of articles about the mood of the fifth. Some articles are very flowy and feeling related, others are musically technical, most are in between. The mood of the fifth from the adult perspective is not experienced the same as for children under nine. While learning about this philosophy, it helps to have opportunities to see it in action, either in a group of children or one on one. Many of the articles referenced Steiners articles included in "Inner Nature of Music and Experience of Tone", "Education of the Child", "Practical Advice to Teachers", "Kingdom of Childhood" and "Study of Man".

Having a familiarity with music theory is helpful but definitely not required. Many of the articles paint a picture of the concepts they are describing. Great book for beginners, those that want to bring music to young children with their voice, lyre or other instruments.

Fantastic