Music in Primary should focus on the following principles:

Music in Primary includes singing during opening or closing exercises and sharing time. Music is also important in Primary classes and activities.

Music in Primary should create a reverent atmosphere, teach the gospel, and help children feel the Spirit of the Lord and the joy that comes through singing. The Children's Songbook is the basic resource for Primary music. Hymns from the hymnbook and songs from the Friend are also appropriate. Occasionally, patriotic or holiday songs that are suitable for Sunday and for the children's ages are also appropriate. The use of any other music in Primary should be approved by local priesthood leaders.

In selecting music for opening or closing exercises, music leaders consider the feeling they want the songs to create. They choose songs that are familiar to the children, including songs from previous outlines for sharing time and children's sacrament meeting presentations. They also recognize birthdays and baptisms by having the children sing an appropriate song.

In selecting music for sharing time, music leaders discuss with the Primary presidency how music can be integrated into plans for sharing time. They make a schedule for teaching the songs from the current outline for sharing time and the children's sacrament meeting presentation. They choose additional songs that support the gospel principle being taught in sharing time. They also include activity songs to provide variety. They prepare interesting ways to present each song to the children.

For information about teaching music to children, see "Teaching a Song to Children" on the Church Music Web site and the videocassette How to Teach a Song to Children (item no. 53005).