New Orleans 

Acrylic Painting – 12” x 36” – $ 350
A city where cool sounds of Jazz permeates the French Quarter

Passing the Baton
How do you provide a music education when your own experience is limited? Some children are fortunate because their parents are trained musicians. Others, like mine were, have parents who believe that education should include music. Though they pay for lessons, they do not know how to inspire their offspring to become passionate about their instruments, so the money they spend is not used to maximum effect.

Except for the scales and easy pieces played when my siblings and I practiced, music was not heard in our household. Neither radio, television nor record player was used to fill our home with melodies, though we occasionally were taken to children’s concerts. My family finally obtained a phonograph when I was sixteen allowing a few symphonic records and lots of rock n roll to enter our home. With marginal role models pointing the way, as an adult I was committed to creating a more musical home.

When my children were still in pre-school my husband and I set up an instrument tree in our living room. A floor to ceiling pole was erected with clips attached from which to hang all sorts of sound makers. It held tambourines, recorders, maracas, bells, whistles, harmonicas, drums, cymbals, sticks, and a wide variety of shakers. Each day I would put on a record (pre-CDs) and gather my young band members to sing, march and dance around the house while struggling with the challenge of staying on beat. Though visiting friends must of thought us to be a strange, noisy bunch, the kids took their music activities very seriously and had a great time.

As an adult, my husband learned the guitar and encouraged singing in the evenings, on long car rides and around campfires. He eventually became so accomplished as a musician that he and a group of professor friends formed a bluegrass band. The Bluegrass Extension Service practiced in our home and performed weekly in a local pub, attracting hordes of students to clog along with the music. I loved dancing to his music and had a wonderful time chatting with university friends. Our family quickly learned to belt out Rocky Top and Country Roads.

In analyzing my own musical talents, I admit that they were not great. I can not sing on key and though I studied the piano as a child, I was a mediocre player who found it difficult to read and strike a multitude of keys at one time. It still amazes me that people can actually understand complex scores with thirty second notes, trills and chords. In my thirties I decided to try again, this time taking up the flute since there is only one note to read at a time. With children running around the house my squeaky sounds added to the chaos, but the family was tolerant, and I do believe my perseverance may have inspired them.

My retired symphony orchestra teacher was sensitive, quickly realizing that I was not in training to be the next Sir James Galway, Jeanne Baxtresser or Herbie Mann. Instead of assigning hours of practice scales he had me play beginning music that could immediately be enjoyed with friends. A few of my enthusiastic neighbors were even willing to accompany me on the piano, making my practice very pleasurable indeed.

As my children reached their elementary grades their music-anti was raised. A willing teacher offered before-class recorder sessions in our neighborhood school. By the time they were eight, all of my off spring had had experience with musical notations, and were ready and willing to be enrolled in piano lessons. One daughter, who had an exceptional ear for sound, took up the violin as well. (No squeaky sounds there! ) My childhood spinet had a rotating hot seat for several hours each day.

It took a great deal of time to drive children to and from music lessons and recitals, and it was often annoying to be surrounded by discordant sound but in the end I found it to be worth the effort. Two daughters and I formed an ensemble that could play piano, violin and flute trios. The fun we had and pride we took in our small chamber group produced an emotional high I will remember forever.

Why did I believe that music education was so important? Many studies show that early musical training develops the left part of the brain, the side involved in reasoning and language. There also appears to be a link between the ability to perceive things accurately and form mental pictures of them. Music helps in understanding advanced mathematical problems, which may be why geniuses like Albert Einstein play the violin as their preferred leisure time outlet. A ten year study conducted in 2006 by Johnson,C.M. & Memmott, J.E. showed that children, irregardless of socio-economic background, had increased success on standardized tests such as the SAT. It also affirmed that those who play instruments tend to achieve higher school grades.

Columbia University research that “ students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teachers and pears, more self-confident and better able to express their ideas.” They also found lower aggressive and anti-social behavior. Best of all those who participate in band and orchestra have, “ the lowest lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among any group in society.” Participating in a band or orchestra enhances teamwork skills and discipline. Practice improves study habits, and performances help youth accept risks and overcome fear.

When my children aged I was curious to see if their musical experiences would stay with them. Eldest son followed his father’s example and took up the guitar as an adult. He still takes voice and guitar lessens, practices regularly with friends, performs for family, and sings with his sons. When his sons were only two years old he enrolled them in a parent-child singing group that provided a great bonding experience. Now the entire family sings their way through family gatherings and evening camp fires.

Eldest daughter continued to play the piano for her own entertainment until a few years ago when she became very busy with a second career. When her children were young, however, she introduced them to both piano and choral singing. Her son became a classical and Celtic violin player who even serenaded me in the hospital when I was ill, much to the pleasure of the nursing staff and patients in surrounding rooms. Her three children know the words to the latest country/western songs and one even gives line dance lessons. Not sure where that came from!

Violin playing daughter taught music professionally to young children. She was most qualified to help her own family with their lessons. Her daughter studied harp for a while, becoming quite accomplished, at times accompanying her older sister who was taking voice lessons. To my sorrow, the harp was dropped with the mounting pressure of high school activities and a burgeoning social life, though both girls still enjoy the piano. Their younger brother is in the beginning trumpet stage. Yikes!!!

One daughter never achieved personal musical mastery but embraced the vibrant Seattle music scene. Her enjoyment was a pleasure to observe.

Youngest son fell in love with bongo drums as a teenager. Thank goodness he and his friends would go to a local park during the late night hours to beat their rhythmic sounds. He eventually bought a full drum set, but it sits in his abode gathering dust because of complaints by the neighbors. Much of his musical outlet today is around burning man activities. He has many friends who are in bands and they gather in his camp, playing well into the night. Parties in his home are unique because rotating musicians entertain throughout the event.

The benefits of music participation are not limited to youth, for it also is a great asset to the elderly. It can help those with dementia reconnect with their past, becoming more alive and responsive. The health benefits music brings to older people are impressive, especially when mixed with exercise. Moving to rhythmic sounds reduce risk of falling and increase balance. Participants are happier, have enhanced moods and appear more relaxed. Music education can also bring joy to those with special needs when the teacher takes time to adapt a program to the individual’s disability. Not only does music give pleasure to the student, but it gives an increased sense of self-worth.

My flute teacher once told me that when you have music in your life you will always have friends. I acknowledge that his words ring true. For four generations our family has passed on the baton.

Whether opera, metallica, rock or rap there is some form of acoustic harmony that you will find appealing. Music can be meditative when seeking solitude and calmness or equally enjoyable in groups when feeling festive. Whether playing or listening, it is one of the rich offerings in life that I’ve come to appreciate.

How does your family pass the baton from one generation to the next? Do you focus on the arts, literature, sports, nature or something else? Please share your way of passing on your passions to others.  DO RESPOND BELOW

Art is always for sale. Contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com for more information.

References:

http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/twelve-benefits-of-music-education/ – Advantages of a music education.

http://musicempowersfoundation.org/why-music/the-importance-of-music – Studies about music, language and mathematics skills.

http://www.npr.org/sections/music-news/ – Elderly and dementia

http://www.dreamsfulfilledthroughmusi-org – Music and special needs

http://www.music2spark.com/2011/11/28/the-elderly-how-music-benefits-their-health/ – music and health.