Recently I was asked for my opinion if children were becoming more musically accomplished due to the fact that they seem to be starting formal instrumental classes at an earlier age.
Music isn’t just about being able to read notes and play a tune on an instrument, even if one is able to do so, that alone does not make an accomplished musician. I truly feel that the process of making music is as , or even more important than performing music. We aim to develop a musical child who will have musical conviction, not just one who learns by rote. We want to bring the joy of music to children through the PROCESS of making music, rather than making them “victims” of PERFORMANCE. By involving parents in the fun of music making, we hope to promote music as part of the family’s common interest and a glue for
bonding. Music should be shared, enjoyed and participated, be it in the form of singing, listening, moving or jamming. It takes a healthy and confident attitude towards music making to do so. Sadly, in today’ s world, music is perceived as another academic subject, where exam and performance goals dictate the motivation.
As Greg Anderson once said ” Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”
Chiat Goh is the Founding Director and Educator Mentor of Kindermusik Asia
