From Ancient Greece to Contemporary Music Education: Music and character building - more than a myth?

摘要

Already in ancient Greece philosophers argued about the influence of music on character building. For Plato and Aristotle there was no doubt, that music was crucial in education. But it had to be the "right" music as the ancient myth of Apollo beating the Satyr Marsyas in a musical competition had made clear. Plato's book "Republic" and Aristotle's "Politics" describe in detail the authors' ideas about music and education. It is shown that many of these ancient thoughts still are relevant for today's debates. But it has to be considered that music can be misused to brainwash children and might have impact on the character in a way that cannot be accepted. Contemporary music (and arts) education has to face new challenges especially in connecting musical traditions to modern music in an attractive and creative way. Music ensembles probably offer the most influential environments for young people to develop character traits such as sensitiveness, empathy, respect. Feature films or the documentary "Rhythm Is It!" among others prove that the expectation that music might influence character building in a positive way is still alive.