The Sound of Music

September is when many young, and not so young people start or go back to school. English, French, math, science, history, geography and other areas are studied. If you are lucky your school may offer classes in music, vocal or even playing an instrument.

A musical instrument is a device created or adapted to make musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can be considered a musical instrument—it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates to the beginnings of human culture. Early musical instruments may have been used for rituals. such as a horn signal success on the hunt, or a drum in a religious ceremony. Musical instruments evolved in step with changing applications and technologies.

Many ask why we should invest in teaching music at all. One mother once asked “At school, my son is being taught to play an instrument. Why should he learn an instrument if he has no plans to become a musician?

A music teacher answered in this way.

Learning to play an instrument is not about developing skills that can be used directly at a job. There are many life skills taught by teaching and experiencing music. To play an instrument you must be clean, well seated, you must be careful of what you do and others do to build and interpret something among everyone. You learn to work as a team.

Learning to play an instrument allows you to generate the development of attention and discipline skills. Discipline that creates a better quality of life in a child and broadens the expectations of this child and teenager. It is the same discipline they will apply to their studies, jobs, family and pass on to their generation.

Music is more than a melody. It is work, dedication, commitment, consistency, perseverance, it’s never giving up, it’s love, it’s human quality, it’s being a better person, it’s helping, it’s companionship. It is not just an instrument, it is an art and a profession. It isn’t just an instrument. It's so much more than that. It teaches the student how to handle life.

Studies have shown that learning a musical instrument can minimize stress levels, help develop concentration skills and improve confidence. For people living in poverty, music can pose other benefits as well. Music is an outlet to express creativity and unique cultures. It can also create a sustainable income for growing musicians. A sustainable income allows them to feed their families and make a living.

Studying and playing music has proven to affect more than just literacy skills. Studies have observed that individuals who learn how to play music experience increased self-esteem. they believe that they can achieve things that they never thought possible. Also, by learning and studying new skills, individuals develop a new sense of discipline that they might have been lacking, which, in turn, encourages individuals to try new things, like attending college or developing a career.

Great musical Canadians have overcome poverty to build outstanding careers in music. These include Celine Dion and Shania Twain from Timmins Ontario. An organization that helps in this area is OrKidstra. They are a registered charity. There are many others.

Our conferences and councils can help develop these skills in young people in Ontario. When you are on a home visit and you see a son or daughter talking about music, pass on information of groups that provide support. Look for groups in your own area. Help these young people handle life better.

Deacon John Girolami DTS
SSVP Spiritual Advisor ONRC