As of: February 29, 2024, 4:54 p.m
By: Markus Thiel
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Music lessons in primary schools - an indispensable part of education, as many believe.
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Combining art, music and craft lessons at primary schools - these plans by the Bavarian state government have met with strong criticism.
Opposition comes from universities, associations and the opera scene.
“How can you underestimate the importance of music and art lessons?” It's not just opera star Okka von der Damerau who is horrified by the Bavarian state government's plans - the phalanx of critics is growing almost by the hour.
As reported, art, music and craft lessons in primary schools are to be combined, which means a reduction in all three subjects.
“People don’t understand that these subjects greatly improve the ability to concentrate,” says Okka von der Damerau, herself the mother of two sons.
Brain activity is supported with art, music and works at the best possible age for children.
“When I play music, I notice how much is simultaneously required and stimulated by counting, rhythm, and paying attention to accuracy.
I am on many levels in parallel.
And something like that should no longer be supported?”
The Bavarian Cabinet's decision has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole, especially to the detriment of all children in Bavaria, says Lydia Grün, President of the Munich University of Music and Theater when asked.
“Access to cultural education for the youngest becomes a matter for parents.
This means that children from poorer families are even more at a disadvantage than before.” This is a painful cut for the promotion of young talent in musical education, “which will particularly hit Bavarian amateur music culture hard.”
“Deficits in the promotion of gifted students”
Finding and promoting talent is also becoming fundamentally more difficult, says the university boss.
“Children at their prime learning age can no longer be adequately supported artistically, musically and aesthetically.
Deficits arise, especially in the promotion of gifted students, which cannot be made up for later.”
Strong criticism also comes from the Bavarian Association of Music Artists.
“Numerous studies show the positive effects of musical activities on students in the emotional and social areas as well as in connection with increases in motivation and performance,” says the association.
The best-known example is the film “Rythm is it”, in which Simon Rattle motivated children and young people to achieve amazing achievements.
“Projects to prevent violence through music also appear promising.” Strengthening social skills through making music together, listening to each other, trusting each other and achieving common goals remains undisputed.
“It is also proven how singing and memorizing texts promote the development of language skills.
The reduction in music lessons represents a major step backwards in pedagogy for primary schools.”
“Important for integration work”
The Association of Bavarian Art Colleges points out another aspect: “Art and music are an important lever in inclusion and integration work.” The Pisa study shows that schools do not react enough to very heterogeneous classes.
“Music and art promote intercultural exchange and understanding, not just among children and young people.
If you want to have a vibrant society and an active democracy, you need music and art to have a permanent place in the curriculum to the same extent as before.”
The Bavarian Music Council describes the state government’s plans as “devastating for the development of our children”.
“And not just in the musical sector, which is still suffering greatly from the fact that two years of youth work have been largely lost due to Corona.” Cutting music lessons is counterproductive to the goals set by the ministry.
And Okka von der Damerau adds another note: “Nowadays, managers are sent to expensive yoga or meditation seminars.
They should rather be making music or have been sensitized to it at an early age – that has the same effect.”