PHILOSOPHY
For centuries philosophers and poets have tried to explain or define what music is and why it's important to include it in life and in education. I believe music is many things: art, science, math, language, history, and tradition; and in this new millenium, technology and engineering. Many studies strongly suggest there is a link between music study and achievement in math and science. And educators have known for a long time that there is also a link between music study and acquiring self-esteem and discipline - contributing to success with school and work and adding enrichment and happiness to one's life.
In addition to these lofty ideals, music offers both fun and comfort to the hurried spirit. Music gives us a chance to slow down - to listen, to think, to try again, to wait. Working and playing at making something beautiful - while at the same time perfecting technical challenges - is very rewarding on so many levels. Completing a piece of music - however short and simple - to the best of the student's ability is a tremendously satisfying accomplishment. The young student may not understand the value of all that. Hopefully the parent does and can encourage the child until maturity comes and the child can "own" what he / she can do. Some educators have suggested the experience of music study builds character and I have witnessed that.
Within every person is the potential to be musical if the environment is provided and nurtured. Music is a skill that can be taught and learned. No one is born musical! Is it any wonder Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus) was musical? His father (Leopold) was a composer and the town music teacher. All the composers and musicians from miles around gathered at the Mozart house on a daily basis. This is one of the main principles of the Suzuki Method: If music is in the home, it will be in the child. And the child can be first - bringing music to the home from the lesson!
Susan Joy
For centuries philosophers and poets have tried to explain or define what music is and why it's important to include it in life and in education. I believe music is many things: art, science, math, language, history, and tradition; and in this new millenium, technology and engineering. Many studies strongly suggest there is a link between music study and achievement in math and science. And educators have known for a long time that there is also a link between music study and acquiring self-esteem and discipline - contributing to success with school and work and adding enrichment and happiness to one's life.
In addition to these lofty ideals, music offers both fun and comfort to the hurried spirit. Music gives us a chance to slow down - to listen, to think, to try again, to wait. Working and playing at making something beautiful - while at the same time perfecting technical challenges - is very rewarding on so many levels. Completing a piece of music - however short and simple - to the best of the student's ability is a tremendously satisfying accomplishment. The young student may not understand the value of all that. Hopefully the parent does and can encourage the child until maturity comes and the child can "own" what he / she can do. Some educators have suggested the experience of music study builds character and I have witnessed that.
Within every person is the potential to be musical if the environment is provided and nurtured. Music is a skill that can be taught and learned. No one is born musical! Is it any wonder Mozart (Wolfgang Amadeus) was musical? His father (Leopold) was a composer and the town music teacher. All the composers and musicians from miles around gathered at the Mozart house on a daily basis. This is one of the main principles of the Suzuki Method: If music is in the home, it will be in the child. And the child can be first - bringing music to the home from the lesson!
Susan Joy