One of our great challenges in music education is the significant time and effort needed to defend, support and save music education programs in our schools.  Teachers and administrators must continue the quest for survival both in lean and fruitful economic climates. It is unfortunate this time and energy cannot be spent in large part teaching musical concepts and skills to the next generation. 

The video at the link below speaks volumes in terms of the value of music and music education.  Perhaps the greatest “measurement” of music education does not come in the early stages of life.  As you will see in this video, the true value of music is perhaps realized in later years. In this particular case, Henry’s experiences with music as a young man become invaluable and priceless in his senior years.

Instead of cutting or even maintaining music in our schools, would our world be better if we expanded the concept of music education?  Should we as a society place emphasis on the universal language and power of music throughout our life span?  Should music education be more available and formalized in the senior years to enhance the quality of life not only of the individual, but the entire family?

My hope is that 60 to 70 years from now, our current music students will be continued to be enriched in very measurable ways.  I hope they will be able to draw upon their past musical experiences as Henry does in this video.  Music For Life – A mantra and quest for us all!  

RWS

P.S. Thank you Henry for teaching me through your music!

http://www.edisproduction.de/2013/12/07/old-man-in-nursing-reactions-to-hearing-his-music/