What are the advantages and disadvantages of a musical education ...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a musical education in
regard to children?
Introduction
Throughout the ages subjects that are considered to be important areas of study have
progressed and developed. There are continuously new topics that cause controversy, debate,
and interest. One topic that has always seemed to connect people from different cultures,
religions, and classes is a common interest and mutual love of music. From the beginning of
time music has been a universal language used all over the world. Women would sing to their
children long before the days that they could read and write. Whether it is at a funeral,
wedding, or birth, music is the one thing that brings the human race together. What is it about
music that is so powerful when it comes to communicating with one another? Surely
something so universally respected can only have positive effects on the younger generation?
Can introducing music at a young age really benefit young children? Or can it have an
adverse affect by introducing the ways of the world and even brainwashing children at too
early an age? This text will consist of a much deeper study into the subject area to fully
understand how music can affect children in today’s society.
Advantages
‘Creating a better world begins with music at birth’ (Raimond Lap, 2002)
When a baby is first born their eyesight isn’t perfect, but they are able to hear sounds clearly.
Sounds are one of the first things that babies can recognise perfectly. As soon as a child is
born their brains are like sponges; they are constantly absorbing everything around them.
This is why it is important to introduce stimulating activities to babies at as young an age as
possible. It is down to parents to create a musically stimulating environment for their
children. ‘Babies are born with great potential for learning and it is the environment in which
they are brought up that provides the stimulation for what they learn’ (Arnold, 1999, P28).
Babies have no control over what music they listen to, this is why it is important for parents
to choose music and activities that will stimulate and inspire. In this day and age it is so easy
for parents to become reliant on television and computer games rather than introducing their
children to more creative activities. “I’m not a creative person” is a saying that is commonly
used. In some cases these people may not be very creative, but perhaps some of those people
have never been encouraged to be creative or haven’t come from a creative background,
therefore never allowing them to develop their own creativity.
Music Education in Regard to Children CM6002 Emily McGregor 163930
3