By now we have all likely read about the “Mozart Effect”. Yes, music makes you smarter. But in today’s world, young people need more than the academic advantage which participation in music assures them. Now, more than ever before, students need connection. They need emotional intelligence and the ability to think independently; to have the autonomy to make choices that influence their surroundings; to have purpose and identity in a globally connected society.
In my years as an International Educator, I, myself, have been in this very same situation. The answer for me, and I believe for my students as well, is the arts, and in particular, music.
Music provides freedom, responsibility, camaraderie and the chance to excel and receive the ultimate reward of self-actualization and the aesthetic experience. There is arguably no better “team” in our human existence than a top-notch musical ensemble in full synchronicity. Music provides not only a chance to create, but along with that a choice. Good music students make choices constantly and on the fly.
My favorite composer, Gustav Mahler, once commented that if a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.
I teach children music because it is precious and it is valuable in its own right. Yes, music study makes them 'smarter.' Yes, there are correlations that show student musicians and high achievers on tests. Yes, the act of performing music engages the brain and body in cognition and kinesis at high functioning levels.
Would I teach music even if it didn't result in all these academic 'perks'?
Yes.
For if I didn't, I might miss out on seeing the delight on children's faces when a passage they play together lines up perfectly. I might never see the awe in their expressions when they play so perfectly in tune that their sound blends with their neighbors and "disappears". I might never see the pride with which a student stands to acknowledge her accolades at the end of a challenging performance. I might never witness a student so engaged that it appears he is playing the instrument with his entire being.
I teach music because I can't keep from it. I live music every day. I play music every chance I get. I can't imagine it any other way. If I can provide students with the opportunity to fall in love with music the way I have, then my job will be well done.
In my years as an International Educator, I, myself, have been in this very same situation. The answer for me, and I believe for my students as well, is the arts, and in particular, music.
Music provides freedom, responsibility, camaraderie and the chance to excel and receive the ultimate reward of self-actualization and the aesthetic experience. There is arguably no better “team” in our human existence than a top-notch musical ensemble in full synchronicity. Music provides not only a chance to create, but along with that a choice. Good music students make choices constantly and on the fly.
My favorite composer, Gustav Mahler, once commented that if a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music.
I teach children music because it is precious and it is valuable in its own right. Yes, music study makes them 'smarter.' Yes, there are correlations that show student musicians and high achievers on tests. Yes, the act of performing music engages the brain and body in cognition and kinesis at high functioning levels.
Would I teach music even if it didn't result in all these academic 'perks'?
Yes.
For if I didn't, I might miss out on seeing the delight on children's faces when a passage they play together lines up perfectly. I might never see the awe in their expressions when they play so perfectly in tune that their sound blends with their neighbors and "disappears". I might never see the pride with which a student stands to acknowledge her accolades at the end of a challenging performance. I might never witness a student so engaged that it appears he is playing the instrument with his entire being.
I teach music because I can't keep from it. I live music every day. I play music every chance I get. I can't imagine it any other way. If I can provide students with the opportunity to fall in love with music the way I have, then my job will be well done.
