What is the ESSENCE of music? What makes it so important? What defines music as an important part of our culture and history? Music Education Online, the number One Online Music Education Resource for Teachers, Students, Parents and Administrators, says that music participation provides a unique opportunity for literacy preparation. Whether the child is singing, playing, or listening, teachers direct them to listen and hear in new ways which exercises their aural discrimination. Playing instruments and adding movement to the lessons teaches children about sequential learning which is essential in reading comprehension. So what makes us as a culture and community always lean towards the use of music anyways? I believe it is the very love of the subject itself. Ever since the beginning of time humans have been creating, and listening to music of different forms and types. Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. You will find many teachers of young children who would agree with him. Recent research has found that music uses both sides of the brain, a fact that makes it valuable in all areas of development. Music affects the growth of a child’s brain academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Yet still there are schools and learning establishments everywhere shutting down, and closing off music education programs. Music Education Online also says that;
Music is academic. For some people, this is the primary reason for providing music lessons to their children. A recent study from the University of California found that music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second graders who were given music lessons scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children who received no special instruction. Research indicates that musical training permanently wires a young mind for enhanced performance.
Music is physical. Music can be described as a sport. Learning to sing and keep rhythm develops coordination. The air and wind power necessary to blow a flute, trumpet or saxophone promotes a healthy body.
Music is emotional. Music is an art form. We are emotional beings and every child requires an artistic outlet. Music may be your child’s vehicle of expression.
Music is for life. Most people can’t play soccer, or football at 70 or 80 years of age but they can sing. And they can play piano or some other instrument. Music is a gift you can give your child that will last their entire lives.
So what is the essence of music? What makes music so important? It is the people who create it, the people who listen to it, and the people who love and create through it. It is an expression of individuality and creativity. So the question is not so much what is the essence of MUSIC, but what is the essence of the People? The creators, lovers, and discoverers of something so influential as MUSIC.
citation 1: http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/advocacy/youngmind.html
photo 1: http://anthro.palomar.edu/social/images/old_people.jpg
photo 2: http://www.ups.edu/Images/Academics/Music/CommunityMusic6Full.jpg
We always hear about the benefits of music education but rarely hear about the benefits of music educating. Could it be that besides the philanthropic and fulfilling aspects, there just aren’t many? I am passionate about teaching, it makes me happy and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. But I long for the day when music educators as a group no longer have to beg for program funding or give away our services gratis. I long for a time when the profession receives the compensation it deserves, then like a doctor, I can travel the world spreading the joy of music to the less fortunate. It’s time we take care of ourselves!