The Benefits of Music Study

Update: 2024-05-29

Digest

This episode of the Simply Charlotte Mason podcast explores the importance of music in homeschooling, drawing inspiration from Charlotte Mason's methods. The conversation highlights how music can foster family intimacy, build community, and strengthen faith. The episode delves into the benefits of listening to music, including its ability to prime the brain for learning and enhance brain-body coordination. The discussion also touches upon the value of composer study, emphasizing the importance of exposing children to well-crafted music, even from older composers. The episode concludes with practical tips for incorporating music into homeschooling, such as setting aside dedicated time for listening, dancing, or acting out music, and encouraging children to respond to music through movement, drawing, or storytelling.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Gift of Music

This Chapter begins with a reflection on the power of music, drawing inspiration from a choir director's daily practice ritual of thanking God for the gift of music. The conversation emphasizes the importance of incorporating music into homeschooling, recognizing it as a valuable gift that can be shared with children.

00:00:31

Music in Homeschooling

This Chapter delves into the role of music in homeschooling, exploring how it can foster family intimacy, build community, and strengthen faith. The discussion highlights the importance of engaging with music actively, rather than passively observing it, and provides examples of how to do so, such as participating in live music events and singing along to familiar songs.

00:03:09

Charlotte Mason's Approach to Music

This Chapter explores Charlotte Mason's approach to music education, highlighting how she recognized the value of exposing children to beautiful and well-performed music. The episode discusses the influence of Mrs. Howard Glover, who introduced Charlotte Mason to the idea of using music as a tool for learning and development.

00:05:19

Composer Study and its Benefits

This Chapter delves into the benefits of composer study, addressing the common question of why focus on music from older composers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of exposing children to well-crafted music, regardless of the composer's era, and highlights the value of modern composers like Alma Deutsche. The episode also explores how music can convey ideas and stories without words, making it a powerful tool for learning and expression.

Keywords

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was an English educator who developed a philosophy of education that emphasized the importance of living books, nature study, and hands-on learning. Her methods are widely used in homeschooling today.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a form of education in which children are taught at home, typically by their parents or guardians. It is a popular alternative to traditional public and private schools.

Music Education

Music education is the process of teaching and learning about music. It can include a wide range of activities, such as singing, playing instruments, composing, and listening to music.

Composer Study

Composer study is a method of music education that focuses on learning about the lives and works of composers. It can involve listening to their music, reading about their lives, and analyzing their compositions.

Alma Deutsche

Alma Deutsche is a 19-year-old British homeschooler and child prodigy who has composed operas and symphonies. Her music is widely available on YouTube.

John Williams

John Williams is an American composer known for his film scores, including those for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter. His music is often praised for its epic scope and memorable melodies.

Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf is a musical composition by Sergei Prokofiev that tells the story of a young boy who outwits a wolf. It is a popular piece for introducing children to orchestral music.

Greg and the Peergett Suite

Greg and the Peergett Suite is a musical composition by Percy Grainger that tells the story of a young boy who goes on an adventure. It is a popular piece for introducing children to orchestral music.

Mountain Music

Mountain music is a genre of American folk music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. It is characterized by its use of string instruments, such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar, and its often-melancholy melodies.

Bluegrass Music

Bluegrass music is a genre of American folk music that originated in the 1940s. It is characterized by its use of string instruments, such as the banjo, fiddle, and guitar, and its fast tempos and complex harmonies.

Q&A

What are some of the benefits of incorporating music into homeschooling?
Music can foster family intimacy, build community, strengthen faith, prime the brain for learning, enhance brain-body coordination, and provide a creative outlet for expression.
How can I encourage my child to engage with music actively?
Encourage them to sing along, dance to the music, act out stories, draw pictures inspired by the music, or create their own musical compositions.
Why is composer study important?
Composer study exposes children to well-crafted music, helps them develop an appreciation for different musical styles, and provides a deeper understanding of the creative process.
How can I introduce my child to composer study?
Start with composers who have written music that is accessible to children, such as Peter and the Wolf or Greg and the Peergett Suite. You can also explore modern composers like Alma Deutsche.
What are some practical tips for incorporating music into homeschooling?
Set aside a specific time for listening to music, encourage active engagement with the music, and discuss the music with your child. You can also use music as a transition between subjects or as a reward for completing tasks.
How can I help my child connect with music on a deeper level?
Encourage them to express their feelings about the music through movement, drawing, or storytelling. You can also discuss the composer's life and the historical context of the music.
What are some resources for learning more about composer study?
There are many books and online resources available on composer study. You can also find composer study curricula specifically designed for homeschooling.
What are some ways to make music study fun and engaging for children?
Use music to tell stories, create games, or act out scenes. You can also incorporate music into other subjects, such as history or literature.
How can I make music a regular part of our homeschool routine?
Play music in the background while you are working, have a dedicated music time each day, and attend live music events as a family.
What are some ways to encourage a love of music in children?
Expose them to a variety of music, encourage them to experiment with different instruments, and create opportunities for them to share their musical talents with others.