Musical Education in the Religious and Educational System

The musical child develops a sharp awareness of a musical world throughout the early years, extending into the elementary years and on into adulthood.  An appreciation for music should be nurtured throughout a child’s formative years by both the religious institutions and the educational systems of the child’s world.  But as the spiritual training of children is often neglected, sometimes the majority of the responsibility for their musical training falls on the education they receive in the school system. This makes it imperative for music exposure to be encouraged in the learning environment, as well as for spiritual and recreational purposes. 

From the time children hear their mother humming or singing that first lullaby, to the hymns and praise music they hear in the sanctuary, or even in the cultural songs and rhythmic nursery rhymes they hear growing up, they learn to enjoy the many aspects of rhythm and rhyme that music brings to life.  Music enriches children’s experiences, through the senses, through the emotions, and through the activities, which make their lives more enjoyable.  Children the music, see the movement, feel their emotions, and respond with their actions.  Even very small babies show recognition of familiar tunes and rhythms by bouncing and dancing when they hear it. 

The importance of musical training in the early years has been praised by many experts. These people often put a great deal of emphasis on how music develops the brains way of thinking, which increases children’s learning and communication skills.  Music is also known to boost a child’s self image in the accomplishments that are acquired in musical training and expression.  Many children, who don’t do as well in other areas of education, do very well in the musical arts.  In the process of their musical learning, they improve in other areas of their education, simply because their self-esteem gets that needed boost from the sense of self satisfaction they feel when they see the smiles of family and friends during and after a musical performance. Some research shows gains in perceptivity, the ability to concentrate, attention span, self confidence, satisfaction in achievement, speech improvement, and less emotional problems, such as withdrawal.  Improvements in attitudes and behavior often results in improved teachability. Withdrawn or hostile children can often be brought into a music group successfully.  The social conduct of most children can be greatly improved by their musical training.