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When did we come to believe that expressing ourselves musically isn’t for everyone?
When did you first believe, as so many do, that you can’t sing?
Can you imagine learning music as a child, simply through play and fun?
Music educator, Dr. James Cuskelly, has taught music to people of all ages and levels, and does just that with his young students. He talks with great passion about the far-reaching benefits of a music education for everyone, from language acquisition and literacy to self-expression and the ability to think in a creative way and complete complex tasks. He speaks of the modern understanding of ‘talent’ and what it means to be able to connect with, and give meaning to, sound. He also speaks of his experience of working with children right through their education from 3 to 18 years of age, and seeing the vast difference in those who were actively engaged in music.
Musical engagement (not only listening to it, but engaging with voice, movement etc), he suggests, allows us to become a “whole person” and to become practised at expressing ourselves. Feeling uncomfortable at the prospect? That’s ok too! James helps us to understand the importance and impact of even the simplest of ‘games’.
My guess is, you’ll want to go out and sing or dance once you’ve heard this!
