Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-12-09
FAYETTEVILLE FEMALE SEMINARV,(
Nov. 30lh. 1913.
Copied from the "Cna diam for the "lute lgencer
1t what age should children be taught Music.


Copied from the "Gna-dian'' for the "Iutogencer.'
1t what age should children be taught Music.
IsT. Children shoulj commence rs soon as they
begin TO read freely, and even before. They
cannot commence Z. part of their education. SO
important, too young. in the nursey, IN the
| family circle, al the primary school, and in the
Juvenile singing schoo.-in each and all of these,
is the proper time ond place to commence. The
habi; Of leaving this part of education 10 advanced
age, is as absurd, if would become singers,
rs to leave reading to that age, if we would be-
come good readers. That is the proper time and
place 10 commence.
First: Because the mind is more susceptible.
an impression being more easily made in childhood.
The acquired capacity for music is the result of
early impressions. 4 child will no more learn
to sing without proper opportunity 'iaH IT would
learn 10 talk.
2ND. Because the child has time. 1t is then
no task but altogether n pleasure; and the time
is in study more proiiiabv spent.
3ND. Because the child can learn it easier
Children have the advantage adults both in
the hexibiIiiy Of their minds and vocal organs.
4TH. Because il will afford them innocent
recreation, at time Of lie. when the choice of
their amusements is their greater danger.
BRA. Because the music of the church demands
IL. If left 10 advanced age. II will never be gen.
orally done and the music of tho church must
continue to suffer.
9TH Because to have our children taught music
is christian duty ,hu. we cannot discharge too
early.
Can :hey, learn enough to reward them and
their parents for the Time and expense! I'm
doub;edy they can--thero is nothing in the sub
ject 10 hinder. 1t is easy If comprehension for
a child any other subject to which children
attend. at least, much as is necessary for them
to learn 10 sing by note, is easily learned. The
n chi la. nall
and that very simple. Children frequently. aud
adults sometimes, learn nothing. But the fault is
not IN the subject nor in the teacher. One should
attend singing school he would any other
school, with the desire and the full determination
TO learn, willing TO labor he would for any
other object. How is it possible for one TO learn
who never attends to single point of the in
structon, but sits Iistless and unmOved. The
fact is, the difficulty is not IN the subject, bat in
the want of proper attention. When that is given
in n singing school, the pupil under compel tent
teacher, may gain much Instruction in a given
time, in any other school, and at any other
study. People either forget or do not understand
the truth Of this remark. The simple elementary
principles of music easy TO be understood.
and as valuable to the mind when understood rs
those of any other science. They are not dark
aud mysterious, but they require attention, and
study like any other subject; and when that al
tenton Is given, the pupil finds an ample reward
for his labour.
Music should be studied by every child, as a
subject to improve the mind, for, when compared
with o,hors, it Is entitled to high place. far ex-
ceeding somo that now doomed important. 1t
is clear, beautifully, systematic, luminous and
intellectual. 1t is well adapted to improve the
nteect--to teach us how to think consecutye.y
and with facility. 1t strengthens tho memory,
quckens the reasoning faculties and gives activity
and power of concentration to the whole mind.
When studied, it should be, extensively, it calls
out invention and opens rich subject for criticism.
But to warn the affection, to smooth down asperity
of character, TO modify and sweeten the disposition
it is unequs lied, save by the precepts of the Bible.