Why Teach Music?

Why do we teach music? - Thursday, July 9, 2009

Ms. Tabby and Corwyn share a musical High-5 in Kindermusik class

This wonderful list has been published all over the internet, and today I found it linked from twitter on the Kindermusik International blog. It's definitely one of those things that bears repeating, especially as I prepare to go do a brief cameo at a summer camp program for special needs kids up in Pasadena. Music moves us all, and I am moved to share it with you through lessons, Kindermusik classes, and being part of the musically involved population in our community.

Why Do We Teach Music?

Not because we expect you to major in music.
Not only because we expect you to play or sing all your life.
Not only so you can relax.
Not just so you can have fun.

But...
so you will be more human.
so you will recognize beauty.
so you will be sensitive.
so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world.
so you will have something to cling to.
so you will have more compassion,
more gentleness, more good--in short, more life.

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?