For all children, the ability to play a musical instrument is just as important as the ability to read and write. How far do you agree with this suggestion? How important is it for a child to learn to play a musical instrument, in your view?

 ‘For all children, the ability to play a musical instrument is just as important as the ability to read and write.’ How far do you agree with this suggestion? How important is it for a child to learn to play a musical instrument, in your view?

Many child behaviourists are of the opinion that playing music enjoys an equal significance as literacy skills. Although this may seem to be valid to a few, latter skills are critical for the development of youngsters, and hence cannot be compared with the former.

The comparison between basic academic abilities and the talent to use a musical instrument is founded on precarious ideas since the first skill is fundamental to the personality development of young ones. It is only through this, the young individuals will become capable of absorbing academic and a variety of worldly knowledge, which in turn will help them to grow up as well-informed and refined adults, whereas learning to play a musical instrument will only fetch them knowledge about an art form that sans moral and ethical teachings.

Moreover, educational skills are pivotal to the professional development of children who will one day take up work in disparate occupations, ranging in trades from a technician to a CEO or an entrepreneur, based on their academic feats, and not only make a living- that will help them secure their future- but also contribute to society, as well as the economic productivity. However, playing musical instruments is no more than a mere leisure activity.

Furthermore, playing music is the forte of  a selected few, the prodigies, having innate skills to differentiate and appreciate musical notes. Only the naturally gifted can produce music from an instrument, others will simply end up creating appalling noise, but literacy can turn novices into experts, regardless of their inclination, capable of excelling in their fields.

Overall, even though I do not discredit the potential of talented children who can play music, drawing parallels between academic and musical skills is quite inappropriate since literacy empowers people and promises progress.