Early childhood music programs should be based on two interacting goals: (1) to teach those skills most appropriate to a particular level and (2) to nurture musical creativity and self-expression. Early childhood is seen as the optimum time for acquiring certain musical skills, of which the ability to sing in tune is considered primary. The vocal productions of young children are grouped into two broad categories: the group chant and the private song. Children are to be encouraged to sing freely (not only at scheduled times), to share their songs with others and to listen to certain types of contemporary and primitive music which have musical characteristics similar to their own songs. The Kodaly method for sequential vocal development is described, and the importance of developing aural perceptiveness is stressed. The focus of the music program should be to nurture music as a creative, self-expressive medium with technical help in skill development secondary. Development of a classroom music center with a variety of instruments is described. Group activities suggested include: experimentation with varying instrumental tone colors; "aural walks" in field, street and schoolyard; experiments with materials such as paper or water; rhythmic improvisations based on ordinary physical activities; and imitation of compositional devices heard on records. (BF)