History Of Music Education Greek, Roman And Egyptian Argumentative Essay Example For Students

History Of Music Education: Greek, Roman And Egyptian Argumentative Essay Make Music; Make History Think of a flute. By contrast to todays auditory technology, it seems like such a simple Instrument; a long rod with holes In It to pass alarm through creating sound. So simple in fact, a flute may have been the first musical instrument I history. A in Southern Germany, a flute similar to the one youre thinking of was found, only this flute is thought to be 35,000 years old. L This flutes story, unlike its build, is anything but simple. This flute Is thought to be the mark of collocation of the Paleolithic era. It, and he music It creates Is an example of a human civilization going from merely surviving, to thriving, a pattern that would live on throughout human history. Seen through comparative analysis of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian timeliness; societies focus on music as well as music education marks the height of that civilizations academic, economic and spiritual existence. We can begin where many Ideas in history have begun, in Ancient Greece. Eternally a stronghold of western civilization and topic of many a history lecture, Ancient Greece Is a prime example of music marking the height of a nations society. In the precious time after the Persian Wars, but before the onset of the Peloponnesus Wars, Greece experienced what is known as the Golden Age or Classical Age of Greece While the Golden Age was literally named after the detailed statues and intricate pottery work found from that time in Greek history, the name also serves as a strong and accurate connotative meaning. It was during this age Greece, as well as Greek music, was at Its peak. Just as Greek government was pioneering the new use of democracy, Greek society was experimenting with a whole new perspective on music. What had previously mostly been use for official military matters and exclusive celebrations was now being seen as an art; music became mainstream. Most music of the time was monophonic, It wasnt usually written out but learned by ear or taught by ex ample. Later to be advanced by philosophers and students. 4 But it was the concept of musics integration into every day society that revealed Graces rise to being a great civilization. Greece as a nation was no longer Just trying to sustain life and gain land, they had moved past that onto exploring new ideas and wondering about the universe and their own existence, There were now artistic standards to be taught and followed, ones that would last for a sizeable denomination of Western Civilization. Athens, the capitol of Greece, led the forefront of the musical as well as educational focuses. Being the cultural and educational center of the world at the time, it would only make sense. In Athens, the great philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle studied and theorized about music, further regulating the art and more importantly making it considered a significant part of society. Plato in particular tryingly stressed musics role in education, he himself being a teacher. He believed music education, both vocal and Instrumental, was necessary to strengthen the minds of his students. Being a student of Plato, Aristotle followed these ideas while inputting his own. Aristotle endorsed the concept of music as an enjoyable art, Offs especially I RSI role In drama Ana celebration. In Plat so Academy (winner Aristotle also taught) music took center stage in many classroom debates and Socratic seminars. The Academy students were taught music as an important art, and spread this idea cross Greece as The Academy was one of the most influential institutions of the early civilization, touching the minds of many and spreading the concepts and ideas through the youth. 5 No matter their styles, the two philosophers ideas on everything; politics, science, philosophy and of course music, were known to be true in all of Greece, cementing music education as a prime part off blossoming society. Emily Dickinson, A Creative Poet During The Mid-nineteenth Century, Wr EssayThis wealth and remote stability was responsible for several of the great pyramids, extravagant tombs and rich decorations of the time, rendering the New Kingdom Egypt strongest point in ancient history. 10 Percussion instruments such as drums and bells were popular and usually served one specific purpose. Egypt was also well tuned with reed instruments; ancient flutes and clarinets made of intricate parallel deed pipes played with mouthpieces and finger holes. With the glamour of the time, instruments were not Just instruments, they were commonly decorated to suit whatever their purpose or event was. Just like the tombs and pyramids, Egyptian instruments were an expression of the culture of the time. Along with the well-known architectural and monumental feats of the New Kingdom, the fine arts took full advantage of this new grand period of Egyptian history. Unlike most other early cultures, attributes of the time were well documented with actual pictures, and the art of the time was portrayed in both walls and scrolls. L While not much is known about the musical composition of the time, there is immense knowledge about the musical instruments used. Instruments of the New Kingdom ranged from as simple as the human hand clapping to a beat to as complicated as string instruments resembling the modern harp. Not much is known about early Egyptian instruments, partially for lack of documentation and partially for lack of existence. It was only when an influx of wealth and cultural superiority cam to Egypt in the New Kingdom that music was embraced and recorded. Musical involvement in an Egyptian society increased with the economic and political power Egypt had, leading to a richer and more intellectual culture. The use of music and education of the art directly correlated with an increase of extensive burial and wedding ceremonies and impressive social and political events. 12 Be it Greek education, Roman Expansion or Egyptian riches, music, and music education is most relevant in a civilization at the height of its existence. The study of ancient of ancient civilizations can also teach us a lot about our modern world, and music education is no exception. Even today in the United States, the pattern of what a society is focused on depends on its economic and political status continues Just like it did in Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Faced with a twenty first century recession and heavily disputed political system, Americas focus on music and music education is dwindling. It is a known fact that when a school or after school program doesnt have sufficient funding, music and coir programs are usually the first to go. In a recession such as the one we are currently in the midst of, Tower students connotes to major In Titles sun as music performance Ana music education, presumably for fear of not being able to find work in creative fields. While newspaper articles, official debates and even local news are focused on universal healthcare, foreign relations and the constant worry of employment rates, music is being left behind. It is simply a matter of focus. As a product of evolution, our priorities lay in doing what it takes to survive, and as with all other times in history, that of course does not include music or its teaching. When the going gets tough, the tough forget about he arts, but luckily, when a civilization is at its greatest, music and USIA education shine.