“Music has a power of forming the character, and should therefore be introduced into the education of the young. ” –Aristotle
“Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day.” – Heraclitus of Ephesus
One of the most fascinating things about the quotes above (aside from being pretty solid advice from a couple of history’s brainiest brains) is that they could have been written today. If Aristotle and Heraclitus were to hitch a ride through time to present day – 2500 years in their future – they’d find academics and researchers still studying these same ideas. Martin Seligman, leader behind the “Positive Psychology” movement, would be one of those academics. Through research, Seligman and other pioneers of the field have outlined 24 key positive character strengths, which we all have in varying degrees.
Beyond quality of life, though, there are other measurable benefits of maximizing our strengths. In one study of children, the strengths of love, hope, gratitude and zest were particularly associated with happiness. Adolescents who participated in character strength-based exercises at school showed improvements in life satisfaction compared to other students. Strengths such as kindness, teamwork, and social-emotional intelligence are associated with better social functioning at school. And there’s much more (check out Berkeley’s Greater Good in Education website for a great compilation of the research).
What particularly excites us about Positive Psychology – and the list of character strengths – is that so many of the strengths are absolutely part of studying music. Think about it – “creativity” is part of composing your own song or interpreting a song by someone else. “Love of learning” is part of pursuing a new instrument or genre, and “teamwork” is part of any band or ensemble. “Persistence” is key to sticking with lessons and “bravery” is essential for taking the stage in a performance.
Aristotle clearly thought music builds character as well, based on his quote above. (We have reason to believe Martin Seligman would agree – he had his own son take music lessons with our school for several years, and they were a dedicated musical family.) As Heraclitus said, good character is created little by little, day by day… and maybe music lesson by music lesson.
How We Harness Harmony at Meridee Winters:
- Discipline and Commitment Learning to play an instrument requires dedication and regular practice. This routine instills discipline in children as they learn to manage their time effectively and strive for improvement. Setting goals, overcoming challenges, and experiencing the rewards of persistence are invaluable life lessons that music education effortlessly imparts.
- Patience and Perseverance Learning an instrument is a journey marked by gradual progress and occasional setbacks. Whether mastering a difficult piece or refining a technique, children learn the value of patience and perseverance. These qualities equip them with resilience, enabling them to tackle challenges with confidence both in music and in other areas of their lives.
- Self-Expression and Creativity Music is a powerful medium for self-expression. Through songwriting, improvising, or evaluating pieces, children develop their unique artistic voice and explore their emotions in a constructive manner. This creative outlet encourages imagination and helps children to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
- Confidence and Bravery Performing in front of an audience, whether at a recital or a concert, builds confidence and poise in children. Overcoming stage fright and delivering a polished performance boosts their self-esteem and develops essential public speaking skills. These experiences teach children how to handle pressure gracefully and showcase their talents with pride.
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Music has a profound impact on emotions, helping children develop emotional intelligence and empathy. Exploring different genres and styles exposes them to a range of emotions and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding of diverse cultures. This emotional awareness enhances their interpersonal skills and enriches their interactions with others.
- Lifelong Love for Learning Beyond the immediate benefits, music education cultivates a lifelong love for learning. Whether pursuing music professionally or as a hobby, the skills and values acquired through music lessons—such as curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for excellence—lay a solid foundation for continuous growth and personal fulfillment.
Why Choose Music Lessons? Remember, the symphony of life begins with a single note. Investing in your child’s musical education is an investment in their overall development and future success. Whether they become professional musicians or carry music as a lifelong passion, the character strengths cultivated through music lessons are invaluable assets that will benefit them throughout their lives.
