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From birth to adolescence, we use music to soothe,
stimulate, and connect with others. Music gives a voice to feelings
without using words, allows physical activity to a specific rhythmic
pattern, and improves health through connectedness, imagination, and
focus and attention.
Educators recognize the positive impact music has on growth and
development and most schools offer a broad range of music programs.
Some students may benefit from a more individualized instruction in
instrument or voice.
Ms. Jean Tweet of Springfield grew up in a musical family: her mom
was a singer, and her sister played a violin. The public school
system had a string program and so she started taking lessons at a
young age. She realized quickly that you can “do music by yourself,
in a small group or ensemble, or in an orchestra” and she was hooked
for life.
Ms. Tweet majored in Music Performance in college and played violin
in church and for weddings. After college Tweet freelanced for about
3 or 4 years in Milwaukee and then, she moved with her family to
Minneapolis. In Minneapolis, Ms. Tweet took the opportunity to take
the Suzuki Teacher Training, a program committed to Dr. Suzuki’s
belief that every child can be educated, and music ability can be
developed. She started teaching in Minneapolis, but her family moved
to Springfield a few short years after her training.
Ms. Tweet played in the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for 15 years.
In 2000 she started to have ear problems and the loud orchestra
music made her dizzy. Unfortunately, things deteriorated to the
point that she had to give up playing in the orchestra. She did not,
however, lose her love of music and is “grateful to have music even
though (I am) getting older.”
Ms. Tweet teaches violin, viola, and cello lessons at her shop in
downtown Elkhart. Birdsong Books & Vintage on Main Street offers a
variety of books and vintage fabric as well as knick-knacks and
seasonal items. When closed, you can find Tweet teaching her
students the importance of music.
Tweet says, “Music is so good for the brain because you have to
think about what you’re doing and then, physically do it.” She
encourages students to “figure things out” because when they start
playing in groups, they have to be able to compromise and get along
with the others they are making music with. She also “encourages
listening to music to get the feel” of what they are trying to
accomplish.
Any young people or adults interested in knowing more about stringed
instruments can contact Ms. Tweet at her shop for information. She
is working on some special activities so that residents in the
Elkhart area can get a hands-on experience with string musical
instruments.
Music education involves a high level of memorization. Students
learn to sight read, play proper notes on an instrument, or recall
lyrics. This memory development transfers to other subjects in
school improving academic capabilities. The ability to recall
rhythms, pitches, dynamics, lyrics, and tempos can be translated
into mathematical equations, linguistic structure, and social
awareness, among many other developmental experiences.
Of course, there are those who may argue that music education is
expensive, a distraction from academics, and other negatives, but
for most people and our society music is a positive experience for
children and adults, even if they don’t make it their life’s
vocation.
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Those involved in music share a culture willing to
highlight the importance of music to other musicians and those
interested in becoming a musician.
Mastering a specific musical craft takes effort,
practice, and patience. These habits improve study skills of
students by enhancing fine motor skills, preparing the brain for
achievement, fostering working memory, cultivating abstract
reasoning, sharpening attentiveness, strengthening perseverance,
equipping creativity, and building self-esteem. In short, there is
really nothing negative about music education.
Music goes beyond language, social barriers, and boundaries. It is a
universal communication that makes life better with just one note,
whether happy or sad. You don’t have to be a musician to enjoy
music. It is a bridge between cultural differences and different
backgrounds. You can relate to others around you in good times and
bad. Music transcends every mind, every person, every group, every
nation.
Go ahead! You know you want to! “Old McDonald had a farm. E-I-E-I-O.
And on his farm he had a . . .”
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