Tara Sarna, Grade XII Student at The Sriram School, Moulsari and Founder, Youth for Youth, a student organisation for empowering youth.

In an increasingly complex world that is facing challenges of international conflicts, rapid influence of technology and growing intolerance that has undermined the plurality of humanity, there is a need to recognize the role of education, especially for the youth. The idea of liberal education ought to provide the foundations for a society that is able to respect and appreciate the inherent diversity of people that inhabit the planet. Music as a form of performing arts has a significant role in promoting the idea of liberal education. The National Education Policy 2020 outlining the policy reforms relating to school education observed, “…Art-integration is a cross-curricular pedagogical approach that utilizes various aspects and forms of art and culture as the basis for learning of concepts across subjects. As a part of the thrust on experiential learning, art-integrated education will be embedded in classroom transactions not only for creating joyful classrooms, but also for imbibing the Indian ethos through integration of Indian art and culture in the teaching and learning process at every level…”

There are five reasons why music can become a critical and central aspect of liberal education for the empowerment of youth:

Music as an innovative form of teaching pedagogy

With the emphasis given to interdisciplinary and cross-curricular education, music is no longer confined as a co-scholastic activity but included as an integral part of academic curricula. Music as a tool has the power to enhance cognitive development, emotional resilience and social engagement. Research studies show that engaging with music through composing, singing, playing an instrument or the simple act of listening can strengthen cognitive flexibility and stimulate brain activity. By engaging different parts of the brain simultaneously, it can help students to increase their concentration and identify patterns, and experience unique approaches in learning and expressing which are essential in learning subjects like mathematics, languages and sciences.

Music is a great catalyst for creativity and divergent thinking. Youth who are engaged in musical activities are innovative in a variety of disciplines. It enhances memory and retention, develop spatial and temporal skills, which are particularly important in learning physics, art and architecture.

Music as a performing art for the youth to pursue

Liberal education emphasizes and aims to develop the emotional intelligence and soft skills of students including aspects like compassion, empathy, integrity, ethical thinking to be able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. It gives them the ability to shape their identities, give meaning and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of life. By promoting these aspects, music builds a heart to heart connect within schools bringing forth feelings of camaraderie and community. In the context of liberal learning, it goes far beyond any recreational activity.  In fact, music is a catalyst for creativity and artistic innovation among the young.

Music as a form of expression and creativity

The transformative power of music is not only about realizing potential but about hard work, self-belief and the ability to weave magic through words, which connect with a deeper core within each one of us. Music becomes the voice when a young child cannot find words.  It is a powerful tool to express courage and empathy.  Often the discordant notes of learning turn into a beautiful symphony with the help of music.

Music enables students to explore their creativity, self-expression and emotional engagement. It plays a crucial role in their creative journey providing them an outlet for expressing themselves – either through song writing, composing or singing, they are able to let out their feelings into music even mixing humor with heartache. Moreover, a simple analysis of the lyrics of songs can sometimes help an individual to deal with mental health issues. Lyrics heal and inspire, make meaning of life, develop resilience and empathy. 

Music as a tool for mental health care and emotional well-being

In a fast paced and stressful world, mental health and wellbeing is a growing concern, especially among young adults who face academic pressures, anxiety and personal struggles.  Music is a tool of maturity, which is therapeutic offering emotional and psychological support, where conventional coping mechanisms have failed.  It promotes a sense of well-being and reduces anxiety, regulates emotions and heals trauma.

Musical therapy is an essential tool for bringing calm into a hyperactive school space. Adolescence is often marked by emotional upheavals and self-discovery.  Music provides a constructive outlet for young individuals to reveal their thoughts and feelings in ways that words cannot.  Even while curating playlists, one can identify with the moods of many teenagers.

Supportive communities are built up through music and help in social inclusion and mental wellbeing. Spaces where students are seen and heard reduce feelings of alienation and loneliness, which are common to adolescents. Music is an inclusive space where children with disabilities or from economically weaker sections find a sense of belonging with the larger universe and humanity.

Music as a medium for breaking barriers and building bridges across cultures

Music binds people together regardless of their backgrounds, gender or age and ensures that young individuals are able to navigate their personal challenges with resilience and self-assurance.

Adolescents often align themselves with artists, musical movements like hip hop, rock, country, metal and others, which resonate with their personal experiences.  Most importantly in today’s world social connections and cultural dialogues are created through the medium of music. Rock festivals, jam sessions, choirs help in developing team work and bringing the young together from diverse backgrounds for a shared experience. Digital platforms like Sound Clock, YouTube, Spotify, help in showcasing the work of young artists in reaching global audiences for engaging with broader creative communities. Storytelling, cross cultural exchanges, protest songs all reinforce the role of music as a universal language of expression.

Policy makers need to recognize the transformative potential of music and take concrete action to integrate music into the academic framework of schools and universities as learning moves towards a more interdisciplinary and holistic approach. By recognizing music as an integral part of learning we can create systems that are both academically robust and emotionally enriching. Music as a catalyst for change can ignite engagement and empower youth with essential life skills which will help them to learn, express and thrive.