How to Music Study in the Charlotte Mason World
Dear Mama,
“Children respond to the very best music. Get Brahms, Bach, Beethoven, Elgar, and Mendelssohn records. Play one at a time to a three-year-old; maybe the child will dance, clap, and smile. Let children beat drums or march.”
- Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, For the Children’s Sake
One of the things that attracted me to Charlotte Mason was the emphasis on studying music. Music is so important because it has the power to elevate our spirits or, in some cases, bring them down. Philosopher Peter Kreeft even argues that music is evidence for the existence of God.
“There is the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Therefore there must be a God.
You either see this or you don’t.”
- Peter Kreeft
We homeschool our children, and music is part of our daily Morning Time routine. Our music study includes hymns, folksongs, and Spanish folksongs. We do not do sol-fa, although I did try. My oldest is also learning to play the piano.
This is my opinion on why music study is important.
* Hymns will point you to Christ.
* Folk songs in all languages will talk about life around you and may also point you to Christ even without mentioning Him.
* Instrumental music has a way of taking you away to beautiful places.
* Practicing singing daily will also help you train your ear and voice so you can sing in tune.
* If practicing how to sing daily isn’t helping one sing in tune, then add sol-fa to your schedule.
* I believe dancing counts.
All in all, I do not think music study is optional. I believe it is an important part of school because of the significant impact it has on our mood.
How do you incorporate music in your home or homeschool?
Warmly,
Mirley
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