Remember

 Music in Primary

•      Be patient.  Do not tire of repetition.  Help the children understand and internalize the principles taught in the songs.

•      Demonstrate for the children the JOY that comes in singing the songs of the gospel.  Making singing fun and enjoyable.  Singing the songs should never seem as a punishment for not being reverent or singing well enough.

•      Encourage excellence in musical expression.  Help the children learn to appreciate the beauty in fine music.  They will feel a sense of accomplishment in a good musical presentation.

•      Music in Primary should invite reverence.

•      Music is an excellent way to teach the gospel and help children recognize the Spirit of the Lord and feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and the joy that comes through singing

•      Music supports and gospel principles and testifies that these principles are true and can strengthen their testimonies. The melodies, words, and messages of Primary songs can teach children the doctrines of the gospel and stay in their hearts throughout their lives.

•      Music is a language everyone can understand! Music is powerful. It has been called the universal language, and it can contribute greatly to a worship service by inviting a spirit of revelation and reflection.

•      Music can set the mood. Music can also be used to greet children, prepare them for prayer, focus their attention on a lesson, or calm them after an activity. Music can change the pace of a lesson and allow children to use their extra energy.

•      Music allows opportunities for the children to move physically and stretch appropriately and gives them joy as they sing songs using fun and engaging methods. The good feelings the songs bring will help those we teach recognize and remember they are children of God.

•      Music can help children develop and discover a talent and share a gift through singing.

•      Staying  in Tune: Little children can feel the Spirit through good music. Singing hymns can help them stay in tune with our Heavenly Father.

•      Comfort: Primary songs can also help children feel at home when they are away from home. Or if they are having a hard time in their own ward. Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said he was continually impressed with the power of music to comfort and counsel in a way that often exceeds the power of the spoken word.

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said, “My soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12).

 The First Presidency said:

“Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the  Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for  us to  offer praises to the Lord.

“Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the  mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” (Hymns, ix). (Handbook 2: Administering the  Church 14.1 Purpose of Music in the  Church)