The power of music

On World Music Day, NT KURIOCITY delves into the importance of teaching music to children at a young age

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY 

Introducing music to children at a tender age is more than just a fun activity; it’s a powerful journey that opens doors to knowledge, skills, and emotional growth.

 

Music’s early benefits

Founder of music education charity, Child’s Play India Foundation, Dr. Luis Dias says, “Learning music also imparts a knowledge of and exposure to mathematics, history, science, physical exercise and foreign languages,” he says. “It also bestows creative thinking and transferable skills that are useful in later life and make him/her a kinder, gentler, more responsible and confident citizen and human being.”

He adds that playing an instrument or singing allows individuals to express themselves in unique ways that speech, writing, or other art forms cannot achieve. “Early music education has also been shown to prevent or delay onset of dementia in later life,” he says.

In addition, key values are also instilled through music education. “One learns, for example, that there is no substitute for hard work. Discipline is crucial, as progress on an instrument depends on daily practice and the gradual improvements made each day or week, which may not be immediately obvious to the child but contribute significantly to their technique and growth as a musician,” he says.

Ensemble playing or singing, according to Dias, further enhances these values by promoting teamwork and communal harmony. “Music ensembles act as microcosms of society, where every voice, regardless of its size, contributes to achieving harmony,” he says, adding that the friendships formed through music-making create strong bonds that often last a lifetime.

Besides this, music also has therapeutic potential. “Music is the best mood-lifter there is, with no side effects and absolutely free of cost. More and more physicians are prescribing participation in music as an antidote to depression and other mental health issues, for people of all ages,” he says.

Faculty in-charge, Theme Music Institute Private Limited, Margao, Russel D’souza (who teaches piano, violin, guitar and vocals) agrees that music education plays an important role in a child’s holistic growth. “It develops the child’s cognitive, communicative, and social skills. It teaches the child to be a multi-tasker and equips them to be disciplined and goal-oriented individuals later in life,” he says.

Director of the Department of Western Music at Kala Academy Goa, Fr. Romeo Monteiro also believes that music is one of the vital aspects of all-round education. “Studies have shown that children are born with an innate sense of rhythm, singing, and deep listening potential. If music is introduced to children at a young age, it will surely help nurture and develop their sensibilities—not only musical sensibilities but all-round general sensibilities to their maximum capacity,” he says.

In fact, Fr. Monteiro feels that music education should not be an add-on or an extra benefit in a curriculum, but rather a prime concern, something necessary in the students’ curriculum right from the beginning.

At Kala Academy where students are admitted from the age group of seven onwards, they use different strategies depending on the student, age group and other factors which are involved in order to bring out the best in each student.

Parental guidance

To aid in a child’s early music education, the role of parents/caregivers is of utmost importance. According to D’souza, parents help in instilling in their child the routine of what he calls ‘3 P’s’ – passion, practice, and perseverance. “By imparting these strong values at an early age, they prepare their children to become better individuals capable of handling professional life,” he says.

Fr. Monteiro says that if there is a musically inclined parent in the family, they can surely help the student develop their musical skills and bring out their talents in a more efficient and prominent manner.

In fact, like many parents who have knowledge of or are active in music themselves, Carnatic music teacher at BITS Pilani, Vasco, Sandhya Jayakumar has ensured that her daughter too got to experience the joys of music early. “Traditional music offers numerous advantages, such as shaping the voice beautifully and bringing internal peace. It has a calming and positive effect on the body and mind,” she says.

And her daughter, Athulya VM, currently preparing for her MPhil believes that an early beginning in music has indeed benefitted her greatly. “Music truly heals my soul and helps me stay calm in stressful situations,” she says, encouraging other children to pursue classical music, even if the beginning is challenging.

Sneha Shirwaikar, a parent to 11-year-old Eesha who has been learning Hindustani classical vocals for the past four years, shares that when her daughter was a baby, they often played music. As she grew up and she started picking up Konkani songs and singing them and noting that she had a gifted voice, they enrolled her in Hindustani classical vocal lessons. “Exposing Eesha to Hindustani classical music was primarily to help her understand the value of art, a rich part of our Indian culture. It builds dedication, perseverance, and confidence. We are delighted to see her growing interest in music—classical, folk, and popular.”

According to Shirwaikar, music has also shaped her daughter’s emotions. “She can stay calm in tense situations. Her focus and attention to detail, identifying ‘sur’ from songs and melodies have definitely had a positive impact on her daily life. The other day, she told me that different cultures have influenced the music she is learning. This is a wonderful way to learn about the world and how humanity works,” she says.

Reflecting on her musical journey, Eesha says that music has taught her patience and concentration. “Starting at an early age is helping me shape my voice, and the qualities required to learn music have helped me manage my time effectively as I balance music with school and karate,” she says.

Another parent, Maya Amonkar, whose son (12) and daughter (20) have been learning Western music (electronic keyboard) from a young age, believes that children naturally possess an innate sense of music. She says, “I introduced them to music at a young age because she felt it was the most natural thing to do. “It’s a hobby that will stay with them for a lifetime. Music acts as therapy; channelling children’s abundant energy into productive activities can be life-changing.”

Amonkar adds that introducing her son to music has helped him de-stress positively. Meanwhile, her daughter is pursuing her dentistry degree at Goa Dental College, Bambolim. “Since music has been a part of her life. It has helped her develop patience, compassion, and perseverance.”

“Growing up with music has helped her build qualities that are useful in life, such as resilience, empathy, and determination.”

 

A lifelong music affair

Shivangi Shetye Bhandare, a legal assistant and part-time professional performer, began her musical journey at age 10. Inspired by her father’s orchestral singing, she took Indian classical music lessons, studying up to Madhyama Purna (equivalent to a music diploma). Music not only improved her singing skills but also ignited a lifelong passion.

“I started participating in all-Goa singing competitions and won prizes from the age of eight. Then, I began doing stage shows at the age of 18. Early exposure to music helped me identify the passion of my life.”

Ashweta Mamledar, a full-time musician who teaches vocal lessons and music theory part-time, reveals that her mother was a classical singer for All India Radio and played a crucial role in encouraging her pursuit of music. “To this day, music remains a way for me to articulate unspoken emotions.”

 

The musical journey of an autistic child 

Eleven-year-old Chinmay Patkar, an autistic child with a deep passion for classical music, credits his family’s rich musical heritage for sparking his interest in the art form. Patkar comes from a family with a strong musical tradition going back to his great-grandfather.

He says, “Music has been with me since I was very young. Even as a little kid, I would play with kitchen utensils and sing along to melodies I heard, simply because I enjoyed it so much.”

He adds that he used to also try to imitate musicians and singers whenever he watched them perform and formally began studying music at the age of three.

For him, music has been invaluable in his journey as an autistic individual. “It helps me express myself and connect with others more easily. It allows me to express myself in ways that words sometimes cannot,” he says.