Music: a preparation for life
School curriculum, use of academic time, and the applicable value of knowledge brought to the classroom are being discussed in today's society. With an emphasis on 'back to basics', it becomes increasingly more significant to bring the importance of music to the forefront of this ongoing discussion.
Why should a young person consider playing music?
How long should they participate in music?
What will it mean to their life?
Creativity: Creativity is the source of all possibilities. We are constantly challenged to explore this area of the mind. Music appeals to that part of the mind, which opens new horizons. The study of music supports imagination, appreciation and sensitivity. Music allows us to experiment creatively as an inventive thinking style.
Communication: Music is a language unto itself. Music can only be explained by music. If we do not expose humanity to music, we are depriving the individual of an array of personal understanding that cannot be found in any part of life.
Critical Assessment: Intelligence is the ability to process facts and respond accordingly to the given situation. Emotional stability stems from the capacity to deal with life's many inconsistencies. To accomplish both, the individual must be able to access the cognitive (factual) and effective (emotional) sides of the mind. Music is one of the few academic disciplines, which demands this ability and reinforces learning patterns to allow for greater critical assessment.
Commitment: Success is not measured by what we start, but rather by what we complete. In music every student will be required to play the entire composition from beginning to end. Although there may be errors in the performance, it is most unusual to see an individual simply stop and put the instrument away. The importance of tenacity and persistence establish habits for positive and productive learning.
These attributes can be found in many subject areas. However MUSIC does not make these optional, but a fundamental necessity from the first note ever played. Participation to the level of excellence is not a personal preference; it is a requirement. Success breeds success in every avenue of life, therefore a successful and well trained musician does tackle life with the knowledge of 'what it takes to get there' and the wisdom of 'what it brings to life'.
Why the project exists
In South Africa, the culture of arts has deteriorated tremendously to the extent that very few schools, particularly in the historically disadvantaged areas, still encourage an annual school concert or the active participation in art and music classes. It is evident that as the need for budget cuts were foreseen, music and art were the first subjects to be cut from the curriculum. This we see, especially in our current context, as a horrendous loss since we believe that it is imperative that youth are empowered with opportunities to enhance creativity in order to facilitate constructive problem solving processes and a culture of peaceful conflict resolution. Music education instills in students the life skills of responsibility, discipline, teamwork, self-esteem enhancement as well as developing creative problem solving skills. In music education, commitment is a fundamental aspect and this transfers to every other part of life. The Athlone Academy of Music provides learners with the opportunity to develop these skills.
In addition to the obvious benefits of personal development and the contribution to music education generally, the Academy will contribute to community development in the area by providing an alternative to gangsterism and drugs, and actively encouraging the participation of families in the Academy, which it hopes will facilitate positive family relationships.
A feasibility study conducted by the Academy also highlighted the fact that there are many people to play an instrument whilst being unable to read sheet music. As a musician, this is an important aspect of development and growth in the discipline. The Academy's tuition is based on sound education principles, teaching complete music literacy, contributing to long term benefits for students in the creation of job opportunities via the formation of music groups and/or bands.
