Music

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1908

In the schools of the prophets, music played an important part. The emotional element of the child’s life is not to be neglected. We lay great stress upon his proper development physically and intellectually, but we must not overlook the emotional education. God is a lover of the beautiful,—beauty of form, beauty of color, and beauty of sound. No child’s education is complete unless he has given to him a knowledge of each of these means of reaching his emotional nature. And it should be understood, that, in the study of that which is beautiful, we are appealing to the intellect as well as to the emotions. The study of music is highly intellectual, offering to the pupil an opportunity for the exercise of his best powers. The proper study of music establishes habits of accuracy and order. It should be in our schools a leading subject, well and thoroughly taught. All our children should learn to sing. It is not sufficient that they learn simply rote songs; they should understand the theory and the principles of music. They should be taught to read notes rapidly and correctly. Such an education gives to them not only a source of constant pleasure, but power for the accurate and rapid performance of hard work. Let us make the most of this important subject. It is to be studied through all eternity.