Music is powerful. Since its beginnings music has been used in communication, healing, and to motivate and inspire, but mostly for enjoyment and relaxation. The element of music, rhythm and tempo, are experienced even before birth. The first sound an infant is aware of is the rhythm and tempo of their mother’s heartbeat. Rhythm and tempo are the soul of music in all it forms.  After birth, young children are calmed and soothed by lullabies and simple tunes and songs.

Music, either “natural” or “composed” is all around us. . Birds are natural producers of music, using “songs” as a way of communicating. Even the sounds you hear in your daily chores have a musical pitch and rhythm, the pitch and tempo of a car’s engine, or the rhythmic clicking on a typewriter. Music has been used in different occasions to express and enhance emotion. When used in weddings, it indicates joy and happiness; at funerals, sorrow and remembrance. In movies, stage productions and operas, music enhances the varied emotions expressed by the performers. The sound track of a movie enhances the action. The sound track of a war movie emphasizes and accelerates the sense of fear and danger, while in romantic movies music accentuates the deep emotions of love. Music is an integral part of health and therapy, and also a form of relaxation. The connection between music, and our minds and emotions, supports and improves the mental and physical health of human beings.

Music education allows us to develop skills that create those deep emotions. Music education teaches creativity, teamwork, self-esteem, communication, discipline, and basic study skills. Further study improves the quality and effect of the product.  Music education is especially valuable for children. Children enjoy music and interactive play. Musical lullabies are the first music they hear. Music education — the study of musical forms, of harmony, pitch and tempo; the experience of playing in a band or singing in a chorus has a number of benefits; learning the disciplines of concentration and teamwork, the need for preparation, rehearsal and  practice, are skills that can be used in all aspects of life.

Music is an art form. Music Education provides understanding of the principles and disciplines that are required in any art form. It develops creative thinking skills, allows risk taking, and requires teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills. When children play together, they often sing together, or in turns. Some naturally create their own compositions. These are skills that widen their intellect and perceptions; thinking in broad not narrow perspectives so that they come up with musical compositions that are appealing to all types of people in all types of cultures.  Music Education is one answer to the challenge of how to bring people together, not set them apart. Music is part of all cultures, and is why music education is crucial. Cultures use music to communicate and share its ideas and values from one generation to another and one culture to another. It teaches them values; it teaches them to be productive  members of society; and it develops compassion and empathy for others.

Music education is one of the most noble, and enjoyable professions to undertake. Music education has universal economic value, it creates jobs, and the result is shared between nations and cultures to promote peace and goodwill.

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