Music is a gift from God, a little taste of heaven, and it influences and impacts people in a way that nothing else in the universe can mirror. In Plato’s The Republic, his teacher, Socrates, discusses the ideal education. He claims that “the rearing in music is most sovereign,” and makes an argument to defend his stance (80; bk.3, ln.401, d). Education for Socrates is not informative; rather, he sees education as a formative tool to shape the soul of an individual. Socrates describes music in a very broad sense. “Music” in The Republic refers to both literary education (includes poetry, speeches, stories…etc.) and the conventional song/melody. Socrates’ views on musical education are true because music is formative, music teaches character and good morals, and because the Bible expresses the importance of music.
Music should be the starting point of education, mainly because of the formative power music possesses. In the modern world, the word “expressive” describes the qualities of music, simply a way of displaying feelings and emotions. Socrates describes music as formative, a means that actually changes and shapes people.
Isn’t this why the rearing in music is most sovereign? Because rhythm and harmony most of all insinuate themselves into the inmost part of the soul and most vigorously lay hold of it in bringing grace with them; and they make a man graceful if he is correctly reared, if not, the opposite (80; bk.3, ln.401, d).
As Socrates states, music, more than
Throughout the reading this week, the information presented in David Elliott and Bennett Reimer’s texts stressed the importance of music and more specifically, music education. “People everywhere find music rewarding, and everywhere we find people engaged in formal and non-formal efforts to teach and learn music.” (Elliott, 2014, p. 4)
Throughout history music has played an important role in society, whether it was Mozart moving people with his newest opera or the latest album from the Beatles. Where would society be today without music? With schools cutting their music programs, the next Mozart may not get his chance to discover his amazing talent. Music programs are essential to education. To fully understand this one must understand how music helps the human body, why schools have cut music programs, and why people should learn music.
Elementary schools and high schools across the U.S. have lately suffered from financial strain. Because of this, budget cuts have to be made and music programs often suffer before sports and academics. Although some people believe that music is not a key component in preparing for employment and higher education, yet several others express otherwise, who say music has been shown to stimulate other parts of a student’s mind that can help them excel. Statistics have shown that the correlation between music class and other academia is not only positive for students, but also can improve future scholastic abilities, and thus should not be cut from schools. Through the evaluation of various sources
Ask anyone whom they believe to be a musical “god,” and they can cite many proficient musicians: Classical prodigies like Mozart and Beethoven, 20th century modernist composers such as Shostakovich, Wagner, and Arnold Schoenberg; even rock and roll legends like Jimmy Page, Frank Zappa, or Jimi Hendrix. But this term, “musical god,” could only have originated from one: Apollo, the literal Greek god of music. No matter how often mortal musicians practiced and dedicated themselves to their instrument, Apollo could easily best them. The god’s prowess was the subject of contrast in Ancient Greek culture.
I participate in marching and concert band. As for concert band I have participated in it for 3 years, and i have only been in marching band for half a year.I enjoy being in both ensembles because it gives me a chance to make beautiful music and connect with my fellow band members. Most of the reason I’m even at where I am is because of my bad instructor Mr.Barz.
The starting point of any education should be in music, mainly because of the formative power music possesses. In this day and age, music is commonly viewed as expressive, but Socrates believes music to be formative more than anything else. “Isn’t this why the rearing in music is most sovereign? Because rhythm and harmony most of all insinuate themselves into the inmost part of the soul and most vigorously lay hold of it in bringing grace with them; and they make a man graceful if he is correctly reared, if not, the opposite.” (80; bk.3, ln.401, par. d) Music, more than other forms of education, becomes ingrained in individuals, and is hard to forget; this is why it is such a powerful mode of education. Musical education in early years is important, because, in early development, children are most malleable. “Don't you know that the beginning is the most important part of every work and that this is especially so with anything young and tender? For at that stage it's most plastic, and each thing assimilates itself to the model whose stamp anyone wishes to give to it.”(54; bk.2, ln.377, par. a-b) Socrates describes the need to teach children what is right before they get the chance to learn the wrong things from elsewhere because “what he takes into his opinions at that age has a tendency to become hard to eradicate and unchangeable.” (54; bk.2, ln.378, par. d) This
“Musical is a universal experience. With few exceptions, all humans perceive musical pitch, tone, timbre, and harmony. We listen to music to relax, to help us think, to celebrate, and grieve. Our emotional responses to music have been noted in literature, poetry, and drama. The power of music to evoke an emotional response is used by advertising companies, film directors, and mothers singing their babies to sleep. Early education teachers are familiar with using music and rhythm as tools for learning language and building memory. (Foran, 2009) Several musical melodies are used in grade school to learn information. Music is used in my math classes across the world to enhance the learning process of formulas. English classes use music help children learn prepositional phrases, adjectives, adverbs, noun, and etc. However, after most scholars reached a certain grade level, using music to achieve new heights academically became a technique of the past. Most instructors didn’t bother using music in order to help retain information. It was almost as if it was forgotten about. But, if music is so important why isn’t it allowed in most classrooms today? Many teachers are not fond of music in the classroom. To many, it is seen as a distraction. Is it the type of music a person chooses to listen to? Would it be different if the music chosen by
[Opening Statement] In Plato’s The Republic his mentor, Socrates, discusses what the ideal education should include. He claims that “the rearing in music is most sovereign,” and makes an argument to defend his stance (80; bk.3, ln.401, par. d). Education for Socrates is not informative (this is how “education” is mostly viewed in modern times; just filling one’s mind with information), rather, he sees education as a formative tool to shape the soul of an individual. Socrates views music in a much broader sense than what would typically come to mind. “Music” in the Republic refers to both literary education and the conventional song and melody. Socrates’ beliefs on musical education are true, because music is formative, music teaches
Few would argue against the idea that we educate ourselves and our society so that we have adequate means with which to understand and interact with elements of the world around us. Subjects such as mathematics, language, history, and the hard sciences are granted immediate and unquestioned legitimacy in our schools, and with good reason. We encounter each of these elements of our lives on a daily basis. We need to have an understanding of these disciplines in order to interact with them, otherwise they are meaningless to us. I submit that the same can be said for the fundamental concepts of music. Music is something that we encounter in our society every day. It surrounds us. Indeed
Throughout the Australia's history, the boomerang is one of most distinctive and representative symbol which is strongly associated with Aboriginal culture.According to the research, Australia is not the birthplace of the boomerang. In fact, the boomerang has existed in other parts of the world for thousands of years. (Kevin, 2015) It is speculated that the initial aim of developing boomerang is used by hunting animals. Although the older boomerang as a hunting weapon has been used throughout Africa and Europe, Australian Aboriginal boomerangs already have ten thousands years of history. (Kevin, 2015) With the development of boomerangs,
I. Plato, a Greek philosopher once said “I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.”
Living in a world surrounded by noises and sounds, one cannot deny that music lives all around them. Schools, street corners, sporting events, there is one thing you will always find: music. Music education is quickly becoming defunct in schools, as many try to decry its many benefits. A growing emphasis on the concrete subjects of math and science, whose benefits are more immediate, are pushing the creativity and imagination of music classes to the back of the budget. Music education is no longer described as stimulating and exciting, but rather unnecessary and distracting. But the benefits of having an education in music is undeniable. Simply being around music can have a positive impact on life. Music enables the human race to discover emotions that they have never uncovered before. The human mind is refreshed by music; “our imagination and memories are stimulated by the sounds, and summon feelings and memories associated with the musical sound” (Wingell 15). Without music, the world would be silent. Lifeless. No matter what language one speaks or what culture one is from, music is a universal language, connecting the hearts of people around the entire world. In schools throughout the nation, that connection is being severed because of budget cuts and lack of funding, but the benefits of music education are clear. The benefits of having an education in music are not only present in the classroom; a lasting impact is also left on the social and emotional growth of a person, though the gains may not be evinced immediately. Participating in musical education programs in schools can give students the opportunity to form lasting friendships and to gain skills that will last them their entire lives. Music education can be beneficial to students because it enhances students’ performance in the classroom, aids in improving student’s interest and engagement in school, and advances students’ social and emotional growth.
In Republic 3, Socrates mentions the editing of song. He states that the type of music and the emotions associated with that type of music can cause the listeners to be more prone to feeling and executing those emotions. Socrates states “rhythm and harmony most of all insinuate themselves into the inmost part of the soul and most vigorously lay hold of it in bringing grace with them” (Republic, p.80), however this theory could be used in a positive or negative way. If the type of music one was listening to was fearful and chaotic, one could project those feelings of chaos and fear into their lives. However it could also be used in a positive way, where if one were to listen to a beautiful and powerful song, that could have a direct positive effect on their performance as a worker, soldier, etc... “it is sovereign because the man properly reared on rhythm and harmony would have the sharpest sense” (Republic, p.80). It is obvious that Socrates believes that music directly correlates with feelings, and for that reason should be monitored for the greater purpose of the city.
How does one align perception so that it best matches reality, and why does one need to do so? Imagine a scenario where a customer confronts a retail worker. The customer wanted to return her bed set because it did not meet her expectations. However, per store policy, the employee is not to process this returns due to sanitary reasons. The customer refuses to accept defeat and continues to argue with the employee for what it seems like 2 hours. In the end, the worker concluded that the customer was an overall rude, stubborn, and disrespectful human being. However, that perception was far from reality since the customer was affected by her bipolar disorder. Normally, the customer is as sweet as can be. Perception, in this case, does not have the full context and is based on only a few factors.
Music is one of the most important parts of human society. It is used as an emotional outlet and allows people to express themselves. “Music is a reflection of self.” Music is the relationship between tones that normally on their own would not be too exciting, but once put together they convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Music is meant to transport an individual to another world, the composer's world. A composer will construct a story influenced by their own lives and their society. An important part of the music is also the history behind it and how it has impacted people. “Music is defined as a practical activity, and is an art form that has always invited theoretical speculation and critical reflection.” Music is everywhere and is in everyone's life but, not everyone knows its early history and how it evolved into today's genres. Researching, studying and examining early music and its evolution reveals how music has transformed from simple monophonic lines with no real timing into large orchestral pieces. Early forms of music included one or two parts, while orchestral pieces included multiple types of instruments, each independently playing different parts. Musicology is the is the process study, inquiry and reflection of music, while it forms its own context and employs distinct concepts, it's clearly dependant upon and reflective of music as its subject.” Musicological research has not been able to pinpoint what the music of primitive people or non-western