Many music and dance activities are referred to in local languages as "play". Forms of play such as theatrical drama, Musical performances and dances have come to be thought as works. Playing may involve a highly evolved song-dance structure with culturally and socially pre-determined entries and coordinated musical construction. The participants have to understand the play rules including who may play, when and where they may may and how to organise taking turns. Play not only provide an equal opportunity for all participants,but also draw people together and create bonding.

The importance of music play in the foundation phase:

It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self expression.

Children recognise the melody of a song long before they understand words. The key to musical play in the foundation phase is repitition which encourages language and memorization. Children like songs that repeat words and melodies and use rhythms with a definite beat.