by Paul Rance

Created on: September 21, 2010

Math (or for UK readers, mathematics) and science may be more practical subjects to learn in preparation for life after school, but music and art are good for the soul, and so are as important as any other more apparently cerebral subjects.

Art and Music Teaches Children Freedom of Expression

Life would be very dull indeed if all there was no creative activities available for us to enjoy. All work and no play doesn't even make any sense, as a life without creativity would not be good for one's health. The practical side of life goes hand in hand with the creative side, and, yes, the practical side is important, too, but not at the expense of the creative side.

Art and music teach children a freedom of expression. This is healthy, and it can also lead to their discovery of other creative forms such as literature, theatre, film, dance and photography.

Children at a Young Age Love Art and Music

Children at a very young age love to paint and to bang on musical instruments. Art and music are things which are innate to human beings, and have been going right back to early mankind, and proof is in the cave paintings which have been found in various locations around the world.

A child who loves creative subjects will also become engaged emotionally with what he or she is doing. Creativity teaches us to feel, and isn't that as important as being aware of the practicalities of life?

Art and music can also teach discipline as much as math and science. Maybe more so. To become proficient at either art or music requires a great deal of practice. That can teach a child patience, and that will be of benefit later in life when we think of the many times in our adult lives our patience is tried to the limit!

A Child Should Have a Balanced Education

All subjects are inextricably linked really, and with art and music there are elements of the disciplines of math and science in both subjects. A mathematician or scientist will make copious notes to find an answer to a problem, and an artist will often work on many sketches before he or she arrives at a finished piece of work. A composer and songwriter will also write in a way which will see a lot of work discarded before coming to a satisfying conclusion.

It is important for a child to be taught a wide variety of subjects to give them a balanced education, and if they decide that art and music aren't for them, then at least they have been given the opportunity to come to that decision.

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