Enjoyment of Music What False

Enjoyment of Music

What false musical beliefs have change since you have taken this course.

I never believed that music has any other value other than simple entertainment and to be used as a pass time. Hence those who extol the virtues of music- beginning from Socrates, who in detailing education was of the opinion that music is the medicine of the soul just as athletics is the cure for the body. The music and art brings about 'good' of the soul while athletics perfects the body and hence he advocated education on those lines. (Benardete, 1992)

In the modern world, we find such a faith as not credible. After a course in music I do find that there is something that uplifts, something that refines the mind and this is a personal opinion. There are many 'cures' for overweight to day, a sad reminder that the old philosopher was not very much of the mark when he said that a regimen of exercise looks after the body. Like wise there is now scope to believe that music does change the patterns of the mind, and has a soothing effect. I was to later discover that music does have a very positive effect on the human mind and character. It did alter some moods for me. I came to realize the value of music and why we like certain music over others by the arguments of Minsky (1981) who has detailed why I felt the change. There is no myth about the fact that music does influence the human personality and is not a 'fun' thing or mere time pass as I found out. This brought about a great change in the way I approach music now and the angle from which I approach it.

2. Should music and the arts in general be promoted stronger in schools?

There is already music being promoted among children by the TV and other media and albums which are drawing children. The problem is that though there is a great interest in art, there is no venue for understanding of the subtleties of the art or music. Thus, appreciating music or art and participation remains on the periphery. To create better audiences, musicians and artists there must be a method of kindling interest and the school is the best place. Education means acquiring a minimal knowledge and this can also be applied to music. As to what can be taught and promoted in schools and colleges may vary. For example popular music is universal, and so are films and other forms of art. (Walker, 2007)

It is however not possible to classify what is popular and what is perfect for the teaching - in the sense of acquiring knowledge. Since we are aware that humans have to have some basic understanding of music to appreciate it even better, a basic understanding of music taught is warranted. For those who are deeply interested an option as choice may be given as elective or additional subject. Earlier, music was the domain of the elite and aristocrats and music and art that was cherished in the western world related to the classical music styles and that has ever since undergone a lot of change. Music education in schools began in the 1960s. For the person willing to take music as a career, or art as the main goal in life, schooling and colleges in these subjects will be a blessing. For others it would become a tool whereby they can enjoy music and art better and by teaching the rudiment in schools and colleges we can create better artists and critics for the future. (Walker, 2007)

3. What is your opinion of today's music?

Western music has a rich tradition that was based on the classical composers and was reigning till the later part of the twenty first century. Many things in society began to change at that period. The old school of composers was overturned in 1980's and this gave way to individual composition. (Landy, 1991)