In a 2002 article, Kristen Ferguson, reporter for the Metroland, highlighted some of the importance of music in an article titled "Songs for the Soul: The Carondelet Music Center Stresses the Importance of Music Education in Nurturing Childhood Development and Building Community". The article supports the claim that music has an alleviating power to the effects of melancholia, or what Ferguson states is a "natural Prozac for the soul". The report uses the Carondelet Music Center, to exemplify this concept among others.
The center, which is located in Latham in the provincial house of St. John's church, has a mission statement that aims to"foster, preserve and improve the state of music education for all people aesthetically, socially and spiritually." The article quotes sister Patricia St. John's testament to the power of music: "[Children] walk away from here with so much more than being able to play the piano. Music is important for building confidence and self-esteem. It helps [children] with discipline, it's a healthy outlet, and it promotes engagement rather than passivity. It's wonderful to see a child skip out of here." The Carondelet Music Center, however, is not the first to comment on the positive effects of music. Another article supporting this claim, titled "Making Music Can Help Overcome Depression", in The Telegraph reported on a study led by Professor Jaakko Erkkilä at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, which tracked the progress of adults diagnosed with depression when given music therapy sessions. (It may be noted that this the music therapy was in combination with other treatments the patients had been receiving). Overall, the research showed that the adults had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression
Both articles also noted music's importance because of its ability to socialize. Patricia St. John (from the Carondelet Music Center) testifies that "One of the neat things that happens here is that this whole wing [houses] retired sisters. The sisters come down [to the center] and the old and the young meet. It's been a wonderful interaction and benefit for everyone." The study of the depressed Adults in Finland also implied that music was a socializing factor: out of 20 sessions, at least 18 were attended by most of the group, which would suggest that music holds people's interest, bringing them together on many occasions.
I can also testify, from firsthand experience, to the fact that music is a strong socializing force. Being a music major at Michigan State University, a university of over 50,000 people, I see examples every day of how music brings people together. Generally, the music school at MSU has a small town feel, where everybody knows everybody, and people look out for one another. It's a community thriving with connections inside and out. Though all professional musicians must learn the ability of being a soloist, working with a group and coming together are much more important skills -- especially considering that is what any ensemble must do to perform. Music socializes in this way, but as much as it brings people together on the inside, it does outwardly too: an individual does not have to be part of the music school at a university to witness how music socializes. Go to any concert, and the ability of music bringing people together can be viewed in the array of people sitting in the audience.
Why is this socialization aspect so important? In the most extreme cases, lack of socializing an individual can deplete a human of the ability to perform civilized actions and interactions. This can be seen in the case of a 16 year old girl who was named Genie and had suffered severe social isolation. The effects of her isolation resulted in only being able to retain a miniscule vocabulary. Of course this is an extreme case, but it certainly highlights the basic human need for interaction and socialization. Though many things have the ability to socialize, music is a particularly effective socializing force because it has a positive, enjoyable impact. As noted above, it lifts spirits and lessens the effects of depression. At the Carondelet center, music improved attitudes of children as well. Ultimately, music is not just a pastime, but a highly functional agent in improving the life quality of those who participate in it.
Why is this socialization aspect so important? In the most extreme cases, lack of socializing an individual can deplete a human of the ability to perform civilized actions and interactions. This can be seen in the case of a 16 year old girl who was named Genie and had suffered severe social isolation. The effects of her isolation resulted in only being able to retain a miniscule vocabulary. Of course this is an extreme case, but it certainly highlights the basic human need for interaction and socialization. Though many things have the ability to socialize, music is a particularly effective socializing force because it has a positive, enjoyable impact. As noted above, it lifts spirits and lessens the effects of depression. At the Carondelet center, music improved attitudes of children as well. Ultimately, music is not just a pastime, but a highly functional agent in improving the life quality of those who participate in it.
Works Cited:
Ferguson, Kirsten. "Songs for the Soul: The Carondelet Music Center Stresses the Importance of Music Education in Nurturing Childhood Development and Building Community." Metroland: 36. Feb 07 2002. Alt-PressWatch. Web. 24 Oct. 2012 .
Fromkin, Victori. "The Development of Language in Genie: A Case of Language Acquisition Beyond the "Critical Period."." Brain and language 1.1 (1974): 81-107. PsycINFO. Web. 31 Oct. 2012.
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteThe unwavering passion that you have for music should never be overlooked by anyone. You should be proud that you have such a special interest in music, because it is something that can be expressed differently by nearly anyone.
-The way you structured this blog post was very affective. I liked how you used multiple groups and organizations to show how music can have a variation of positive affects on people. I agree with many of the claims that the Carondelet Music center has regarding music. Based off of my own experience with music, I definitely would agree that music can improve self esteem and confidence. Personally, music often serves as a surreal escape from reality to me, where I can express myself in any way I wish.
-I found the study conducted by the Finland Professor you mentioned to be extremely interesting, yet logical. I believe music truly can serve as plausible cure for depression. I found it fascinating that anxiety and depression decreased in adults after experiencing music sessions. Music really does have a unique way of lifting people spiritually.
-The fact that you discussed the socialization aspect of music is something that should be recognized by all people. The awesome thing about music, is that it not only allows the individual to express his or her own passions, but also has a forceful way of bringing people together as you mentioned earlier in your blog.
Because I too also have a passion for music, I have a few questions:
-Do you think any form of music should be required in our academic agenda such as something as a language?
- What specific aspect of music do you most enjoy?
Although I no longer participate in an actual music program or play any specific instrument, I would not be able to survive without music. I believe an orientation with music improves many qualities of a person.
Overall, I wish music had more of an emphasis on society today. I have found that the field of "arts" in general have revealed some of the greatest qualities in humanity. I believe many strides can be taken in our country if arts and the music are more relevant to our values.
You’ve got some interesting points in this article. I would have never considered any of these if I didn’t come across this. Thanks!. https://www.naijamusic.com.ng/justin-bieber-net-worth/
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