Music Education Matters
Music education matters. Here’s some reasons why it deserves more respect.
The accompanying graphic inspired me to write this blog.
Music education has been declining within schools from at least the 1980s, and sadly continues to do so in our most recent times. Read this report about the state of music education in schools. Then get in touch with schools to let them know music education must be preserved and restored.
By the way, learning music is just as good for adults as it is for children or teens. Never stop learning! Let’s explore some ideas expressed in the graphic accompanying this article from my perspective ….
01
“music is a science”
I agree. Music, as a musician, provides the perfect opportunity to explore, run our own experiments! We can do this for example, through Play By Ear or Improvisation by following the thinking: What would happen if I played this note or these notes together?
Recently, I figured out how to play a pop song. While I was experimenting, my finger kept slipping and I played a note I did not intend to play in one of the chords. The mistake created a “happy accident”: It sounded better than what I had intended, so I decided to use both the original chord and the accidental one for variety.
Leave some room in your music-making or practice time to experiment.
02
“music is mathematical”
True. We count quite often when we are learning so that we place the beats correctly, and so we play in time. Indeed, counting is an important basic skill; it also helps us feel the beat and help others do the same. That in turn, enhances our enjoyment! When we achieve this sense of feel in ourselves and others, heads bop, feet tap. You get the idea!
And, as the graphic suggests, we learn to instinctively divide beats up because after all, some notes are short, some are medium, and some are long. Your growing awareness of their length is great training for your minds and ears.
03
“music is a foreign language”
Not quite the way I would express it. I say music is a language. We learn it best by focusing on sound and then learn to read and write. We get to interpret symbols, and sometimes there is room for our own interpretation.
04
“music is physical education”
As a musician, music means being interactive. It is physical. Treating our bodies like athletes only helps us. We use our bodies to play musical instruments, not just our hands and fingers. Look after your body by staying hydrated, gently warming up before practice, and using good technique.
If you ever feel like you are labouring while playing, the chances are, you could do with better technique! The right technique makes playing easier and safer. Just like it does in sports. This is one of the reasons why you need a piano teacher to facilitate your learning, not an app.
05
“most of all, music is art”
Since music is art, there is room for you to express yourself. You can really get into playing a joyful song to celebrate. You can really get into playing a sad song to heal. Music can touch us and our listeners. It can mirror our moods or brighten them. Music allows us to convey stories and messages. Creativity is encouraged!
Improvisation is an example of a fun way to learn that enables creativity, because you do not know exactly what you will play. Following some general rules enables you to freely create beautiful music.
Music, as a musician, flexes your body, your mind, and your soul, if you let it. Get in touch to explore lessons with me now.