The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-24
MUSIC In THE HOME.

There is value in music aside from the
mere accomplishment. To consider its in
fuences in this direction leads us into a
comparatively inexhauStible field, for with
its charms to soothe the savage breast"
it exercises a subtle power far reaching in
it's influence. tempering, subduing, Animal
ing, simplifying the work of nature by the
cultivation of the refining sentiments. None
are insensible to the influence of this god
(which German fables have clothed with
the dignity of a perfect, separate, complete
existence lost for a time, it is true, but
the myth tells us that each harmonious
strain, each melodious chord, is but a frag-
ment Of that entity as created again re-
turning to u.s."
Music in the Home would be a far more
appropriate title for a volume than a brief
article, hence I shall subdivide my subject
and devote this letter to a talk to parents
concerning their own accomplishments. So
many parents say, I'VE have done the best
we could for our children" or 1--WE have
given them every advantage that money
could procure This is exactly where the
error lies, for perfection is not on sale in
the market place. As perfect plants can
only be grown in a congenial atmosphere,
likewise children, by far the most tender
and susceptible plants, crystalline the infiu-
ence Of home into the nature, disposition
and ability which shall characterize the
manhood and womanhood into which they
are emerging fgn v We have man an n np Woman aaa
who is unduly retiring and lacking in self
esteem. If we seek for the causes that
have conspired to develop that inferior
quality of mind, we shall find them in the
influences of the home l.fe. Self-esteem is
a lesson without text, and can only pc
that it's surroundings are as complete IN
those details which develop the artistic SIDE
Of their nature as the =, environment : rom for t6 oa
fine arts. They may be repeatedly assured
that such is the case, but If, upon entering
the home of a friend, they encounter a
more elevating atmosphere. their faith in
home and its lessons soon fades into a vague
sense of awe which manifests itself IN IN
If, on the other hand, they observe that
their friends display great respect and APP
probation for the entertainment offered
them, their respect for home and the les
sons it teaches develops confidence and
self-esteem.
parents. Children must see in those who
have been instructors from birth the ex-
ample Of proper department so that com
perior ability and attachments. 1T the
mother is accomplished and polished in
SUIT. IL we would, therefore, study what is
best calculated to produce the desired eff
feet, make home pleasant. Instill into the
minds of the young people faith and conf
dence in the parents, which will bear fruit
in self-esteem. To accomplish this we must
determine what proper chord is most sensi-
tive.
There is no accomplishment so universally
admired, none so often called into requisi-
ton, nor so pleasing to every grade of
society. as music. Where can we look for
that with which to fill it's place? 1t has
no substitute. Accomplished in this art
of arts surprising art parents can add
a. charm to the home that will die only with
the memory of those who have drawn the
inspiration of life from the example set
before them in childhood. What appeals
more strongly to a child's pride than to be
able to entertain their companions with
some rare treat, if that treat consist of a
parents singing or playing for their delec-
tation? The alteration which fills their
hearts is a lavish recompense.
Not many mothers do this and how
thankful the child feels when they observe
the delight which beams in the eyes of their
companions. Such a mother is one of the
exceptions, not the rule. Is not such a
mother more careful; does she not find a
warmer place in the heart of the child;
does not her influence increase tenfold in
the light Of their childish admiration?
Music is the one art above all others tina
a. child can appreciate, and to be reared in
an atmosphere tempered by its Softening
influence opens the mind to the conception
of new things and fits the heart for the
reception of all that is beautiful in life.
There is no surer way than to improve the
parents. One could, therefore, scarcely
overestimate the Importance of that which
tends to enhance the pleasures of home.
For no matter where the child may roam.
its affections are still entwined about the
home of youth and the lessons taught and
the light 1t has shed, span the lapse of
years and shine from the heart within, long
after parents and horne have faded into
sweet mfH0rX MA Ky M. SHErl1Il