It also facilitates the preservation and transmission of that heritage. A liberal arts education has the obligation to help each student develop his or her music potential. Musical potential is one of the basic abilities, along with linguistic potential, physical potential, and others, that exist in every individual. All individuals should be able to test the limits of their potential in as many fields as possible. The development of this potential and responsiveness, regardless of level, provides a basis for attainment of the good life of which music and musical experience are important ingredients.
Music provides an outlet for creativity and for self-expression.
It enables students to express their noblest thoughts and feelings. It engages their imaginations and allows them to assert their uniqueness. Humans are unique among earthly creatures in their ability and desire to express their feelings, their hopes, their yearnings, their innermost being. Music is an ever present means to such self-expression. The study of music can help students understand better the nature of humankind.