“I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skills in music, otherwise I would not regard him.”
-Martin Luther (1483-1546)
The above quote clearly expresses Martin Luther’s opinion on human beings. My translation of Luther’s quote would be something like: If you’re no good at music, then you’re not well educated. It would be nice to have an interview with Martin Luther to see exactly what he meant. Since he died well over 400 years ago though we can only speculate on his answers but here are some of the questions I would ask:
1. Does your statement mean that even science instructors should know music?
2. What about physical education teachers?
3. What will happen to the millions of students that are not getting any music education in the United States and around the world?
4. What exactly is so profound about learning music that makes you say everyone should learn?
5. Should everyone learn voice and an instrument? Multiple instruments?
These are just a few of the questions that I can think of now but would most likely have more if I could hear Martin Luther elaborate on this. Does anyone know the source of this quote and whether or not there exists any further thoughts?
It seems to be easier and easier to find highly regarded people claiming these astonishing things about music. I happen to think that music has provided for me a great deal of discipline as well as joy. I personally am not willing to make a statement that I don’t regard a teacher for what he teaches if he doesn’t know music. I think it’s a bit extreme to fire the home economics teacher just because she can’t play “Flight of the Bumblebee”. Are these quotes just conjured by the music industry to sell their products and service or is there something that incredible about music and music education that makes people say these things?
by Musicguru
Grosse Pointe Music Academy
2 location serving the Metro Detroit Area in Southeastern Michigan.
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