“Art for Life’s Sake”
In Suzuki education, we believe that all children can learn to make beautiful music. The intent goes beyond just music, but can be applied to any subject if the same Suzuki principles are applied effectively. Furthermore, the goal in Suzuki music learning is not to make professional musicians, but to give students a sense of personal accomplishment and value that in turn builds confidence and an appreciation for learning. As our students learn to make beautiful music, we encourage them to give back to our society by sharing this music in recitals, performances and events. Performing in Village days, senior living centers, hospitals and even train stations, gives joy to others to take them away from a difficult day or a daily routine and brings new sunshine into their lives.
I believe we know the value of arts education that enables children to be creative, to engage in analytical and critical thinking, and learn the process of learning. In a recent study by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, "Art for Life's Sake" the authors state the case that "The arts can challenge our perspectives giving us new ways in which to see and experience the world, cultivating the values of diversity, tolerance and empathy."(Brian Kisida, Jay P. Greene, and Daniel H. Bowen, “Art Makes You Smart,” The New York Times, November 23, 2013, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/opinion/sunday/art-makes-you-smart.html.) Furthermore, research on brain development has now proven the benefits of arts education on improving overall cognitive learning. During the pandemic, more than ever, our attention to the importance of arts learning is also an investment in our emotional well-being. Either as performer/creator or as audience participant, surrounding ourselves with the sounds of music can lead to an improved social and emotional connection to the world around us.
We know that the lingering pandemic is a burden, but the investment we all make towards music making and learning is part of the healing process that will reconnect us with each other and with our inner selves.