The History of Music Education—part 3

The History of Music Education—part 3

            The reason that I make such a big deal out of who “invented” music is that we have absolutely no reason to believe the notion that the ancient Hebrews considered music a man mad invention.  Furthermore Mark and Dickenson are incorrect in believing that the ancient Hebrews did not believe that music had the power to influence morality or affect behavior.  To the contrary, study: Exodus 32:18; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Job 39:9; Lamentations 3:14, 3:63; Psalm 69:12 and many other verses in the Bible and it will become very apparent that ancient Hebrews who loved and served God  believed that music was a reflection of character and that it influenced behavior of the performer and the listener.

            We have record of Moses being a music educator as early as Deuteronomy 31:19, “Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.”  Those that believe that the ancient musicians concentrated only on personal performance will have to explain this early reference to teaching music not only to performers but also to the common man.

Thought for the Day

The word lamad (3925) which is translated teach in Deuteronomy 31:19 means “to goad” which has connotations of causing someone to become expert.  With this meaning, teaching music was no doubt serious business in ancient Israel.