Everything is connected, by thin whims of red silk . . .
Like the oak tree with the roots borrowing under the ground, twisting and tangling as if they were all dearly appreciated friends. There are so many, and they are so long, so tangled to discern. The subject of music cannot be treated as one isolated subject - rather, it has its applications to various subjects. Trying to cut out one subject is a complicated, arduous process, with lasting consequences.
- Students can learn history and math through Pythagoreas, who discovered that strings must be in a ratio to produce a fifth, etc.
- Children learn how to observe, interpret, engage in different perspectives, analyze, and see the bigger picture - all through art.
- Students learn patterns and spatial patterns, and models.
- Students have to learn hand-eye coordination, like an athlete, in order to play. They have to train their wrists, arm, and fingers to play a stringed instrument - or their hands and mouth to play in the band.
- They can learn about the "Overtone Series" in science, which explains how music is produced via vibrations.
- Students learn math by counting beats and reading notes. Each note has a set value; it also has a bit of Pre-Algebra with the dotted notes. They also learn how to divide and multiply when figuring out the set values of notes.
- Epic poems can be sung and analyzed for rhythmic patters, figurative language, etc.
- Many songs (opera, anyone?) are in different languages. Students can learn to translate them and sing. They can also learn the history/origin behind the piece, and the civilization's culture during that time period.
- Many works of art are lionized with music. Students can learn about the art, its style, and the time period.
- Students start thinking about their part as a whole (what can I do to make my intonation better?) and start analyzing many complex variables in order to make the best sound.
- Musical symbols are often written in Italian, letting students learn another language.