Music - The most potent instrument in Education

Introduction 

Pure music has a universal appeal. Nada and Laya (melody and Rhythm), the basic components of music find presence in all human activities. Man has developed, cultivated, improvised and perfected them into a refined art.

Music is the earliest ‘fine art’ in the history of human culture. It is often considered as the most powerful and effective vehicle of thoughts with its ability to touch, melt, stimulate and soothe the innermost feelings of the human heart.

Music in India

Music has been an inseparable part of Indian society from very early times. No occasion, festivity, funeral is unaccompanied by music. India is the only country to have realised the potential of music in its entirely. It is only here that music has a diverse application. It is asmuch a means of entertainment as it is a path to salvation. The chandogya upanishad confirms music as one of the esoteric means of Realisation.

Music and Education 

With the final goal of education being ‘Attaining the ultimate good of humanity through the complete blossoming of the individual personality’ the relevance of human, social and moral values can hardly be exaggerated. That which breeds values is the value of values and that is what is music. It cleanses the mind of its impurities and prepares one to be receptive, for “it is only a pure mirror that can reflect, not a lump of clay”! 

Child and Music 

Infants, beasts and serpents enjoy music alike. This is because music is not external to ‘beings’. It is within. The crystal clear mind of a child is lost in the adult as a result of drifting away from what is natural. 

There is a natural instinct in every child to sing, which if suppressed, results in an imbalance. The blooming of a personality (Expansion of the inherent elements to the fullest extent) is possible only when these positive impulses are nourished from a very early stage. So “catch them young”.

Method of Teaching

One should remember that there is no need for every child to become a great musician but there is every need for getting introduced to this most ancient and original art in order to achieve the following. 

1. Relief from stress and relaxation of the mind. 

2. Clear perception. 

3. Increasing the ability to concentrate. 

4. Boost creativity. 

5. Ability to grasp greater values. 

6. Important of all — “Experience of the Infinite” 

Even though it is often observed that the abstract should be approached through the concrete, it is better in case of music to go the other way. 

Pure music (without either the text i.e. wordings or the notes) should be taught first. The best way to begin would be chanting of ‘OM’ in the place of S, P and S. This helps the child achieve control of breath, remaining on a note for a longer time. The variations in sound will be understood without much effort. 

This may be followed by exercises in articulation, using the vowels, and flat notes, various combinations of notes, rhythmic beats, and simple songs and so on.. ..in continuation. 

The concept of “Gamaka” and “Raga” should be taught at a higher level. 

(Pg 41 - "Confluence-1998", National Conference for Indian Knowledge Systems)