Yesterday, my private music students presented a beautiful recital for their families and friends in my church’s sanctuary. They far surpassed any of their past practices in their lessons. They were polished, poised, and just terrific! I couldn’t have asked for more, and I am sure that God smiled when He heard their musical conversations.
Teaching is leading children to understand their lives and helping them realize their true potentials. We may never know how powerful our lessons have been for them, but we can see how they connect with their families, friends, and communities. The more we praise our children for their accomplishments, the more they grow to appreciate their lives and the lives of others.
Sharing music with young people is very much like talking. You play notes together, and then you answer one another with beautiful solos and harmonies. You connect with one another in such a positive way that even the times of rest, the times of silence, are caring moments of love. Students will respond to high standards when they realize you are willing to help them become capable human beings. In reaching for their potentials, they learn to love themselves and to attain their own paths for better lives.
Music is the universal language; spoken languages are barriers to so many things. Words have different meanings in different parts of the world; music symbols and their representations are the same in every country. Music can be shared, no matter how old you are, what your social standing is, or what you own. It is a blessing for the soul, and that transcends all other things in this world. Children who have music education as a part of their everyday life learn to persevere, to improve, to analyze their efforts, and to grow. Our children are gifts from God; there is no better way to praise Him than to raise up musical individuals.
When you can’t speak, music speaks for you. My students proclaimed to their families and friends that music is important to them by doing the very best they could. In a world where there is so much chaos, these children found the peace that passed all understanding. They connected with their families and friends with love and caring, and they are truly precious gifts of love from our Heavenly Father.
Anna Hartt.
