Though musical activities are likely to have started long before recorded history, music has been a part of human culture for millennia. From 3000 BCE when the earliest known stringed instrument was used; to Pythagoras’ mathematical relationship of notes in the 6^th century BCE; to the Roman brass horns in the 2^nd century BCE; to the staff for musical notation in 1000 AD; to composition replacing improvisation in the 11^th century; to the modern method of written notation in the late 16^th century; to the phonograph by Edison in 1877; to the wide range of instruments, recording and playback machines of today, music has been a significant part of history.

Today, music is the embodiment of many disciplines: science, mathematics, language, history, physical activity and, most of all, artistic expression.  Music . . .

1. "Is the art and science of organized sound"

2. Is a universal language—common globally

3. Provides an insight into history through the works of our predecessors

4. Expands our cultural horizons through the perspective of others

5. Can be a vehicle for becoming involved in the community

6. Has been an integral part of society (weddings, dances, ceremonies, etc.)

7. Can lead to a rewarding career (in many aspects—not just performing)

8. Is a forthright activity on its own or can be an accompaniment to other activities

9. Can be a powerful motivator:  soothe, inspire, excite, reflect, steady, direct, disregard

10. Has proven its value as a form of social, psychological and vocational therapy

11. Is an outlet for self-expression and creativity

12. Is a means of creating identity, individuality and self-esteem

13. Can be a terrific avenue for learning teamwork and cooperation with others

14. Develops camaraderie with others

15. Fosters development of emotion and sensitivity

16. Can help people become more “well-rounded”

17. Could be a distinguishing facet of your life—not something everyone can do

18. Employs a different method of learning and application of knowledge than written subjects

19. Participation in the arts correlates with higher scores on college entrance exams

20. Requires concentration, discipline and practice

21. Involves multi-tasking, which improves sensory and motor skills

22. Involves use and adaptation of the brain in unique ways

23. Exercises the brain and can increase its capacity by strengthening synapses and neural connections

Music is a reflection of the intellectual and cognitive abilities of humans.  It is an accomplishment made possible by the ability to reason, and distinguishes us from lower forms of life.

“Education in music is most sovereign because, more than anything, rhythm and harmony find their way to the innermost soul . . . “
                                                                   Plato

“I must study politics and war, that my sons have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy … in order to give their children the right to study painting, poetry and music.”
                                                John Adams, 2^nd U.S. President  

“Last year, more Americans went to symphonies than to baseball games . . . I am certain that, after the dust of the centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for our victories and defeats in battle or politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
                                              John F. Kennedy, 35^th U.S. President

“The creative arts provide us with a unique and vital perspective about our world.  As performers or supporters of dance, art or theater, with each experience, we have the possibility of being inspired and seeing the world through a different lens.”
                                              John Scully, Former CEO, Apple Computer

“Music has a great power for bringing people together . . . With so many forces in the world acting to drive wedges between people, it’s important to preserve those things that help us experience our common humanity.”
                                            Ted Turner, Chairman, Turner Broadcasting

“The areas in the brain’s cortex that help children develop musical ability and mathematical ability are close together.  Studying music, then, can help children develop in the areas of math, engineering and anything that involves space, time and numbers.”
                             Tracey Dils, Publisher, McGraw-Hill Education Parenting Newsletter     

“No education is complete without an awareness of music; music is an essential expression of the character of a society.”
                                           William Bennett, Former U.S. Secretary of Education

“Music is the soundtrack of our lives.”
                                      Dick Clark, 50^th Anniversary of American Bandstand, 5/3/02

References:
Cooper, Paul.  Perspectives in Music Theory (Dodd, Mead & Co., 1974).
Grout, Donald,  A History of Western Music (W.W. Norton & Co., 1973).
Website: http://elwood.pionet.net/~hub7/ - Numerous articles and references.