Creativity and Children

Follow this link for an interesting Newsweek article on the importance of teaching creativity to children.  As much as I love the educational system (I spent most of my life as a professional student!), I know that creativity, especially musical creativity, is scarce in our schools.  This is one of the reasons why I decided to start Velocity Music Academy–to provide a place for children (and adults) to expand their creativity through the language of music.

I taught a lesson this week to a high school piano student of mine.  He was working on a composition and theory chord skills.  At one point in the lesson, when everything came together as planned, he started improvising a vocal line over his piano playing.  In a matter of seconds, I got goosebumps all over my arms.  Good ol’ fashioned goosebumps from hearing a teenager create music.  That’s what it’s all about, and that’s why I love my job.

So for all of you that are contemplating the importance of musical education (and creativity in general), don’t hesitate.  It’s one of the most important gifts you can give your children.