The Role of Oqtay Zulfugarov’s Songs in Shaping Children’s Musical Taste, Ilhama Mammadova

Abstract

Oqtay Zulfugarov’s children’s songs hold an invaluable place in Azerbaijani musical culture. The fact that his songs develop children’s musical perception and shape their emotional thinking demonstrates the relevance of his works. The main goal of this research is to analyze the composer’s children's song oeuvre from scientific-pedagogical, artistic, and musical perspectives and to determine the significance of his works in the modern era. The importance of his songs is primarily determined by their practical applicability in the educational process. The research employed scientific, analytical, and comparative methods. Zulfugarov’s songs not only shape children’s musical taste but also enrich their spiritual world. In his songs, the spirit of folk music, combined with simplicity and sincerity, yields a high artistic quality. His works are composed in accordance with children’s developmental psychology, emotional world, and aesthetic needs. In his children’s songs, the composer skillfully combined the melodic flexibility characteristic of folk music with clear rhythm and simple harmony to create examples of high artistic value. Oqtay Zulfugarov’s songwriting has had a significant impact on the development of the Azerbaijani school of composition. Observations and interviews indicate that music lessons help develop children’s mental, speech, and language skills, cultivate group work habits, and enhance creativity and aesthetic taste. Moreover, music activities have a strong effect on children’s physical, mental, and emotional development; by creating a playful learning environment in kindergarten, they contribute significantly to the formation of the child’s personality.