To study music is to study a basic form of communication. Music like reading, writing, and speaking, conveys thoughts, ideas, and feelings. It is used for such mundane purposes as selling commercial products and for such noble purposes as inspiring and elevating our appreciation of life.

To study music is to study the world's peoples. Music is an important means of learning about and transmitting cultural heritages. Music helps us to learn about ourselves, our traditions, and our ways of thinking and acting. It also helps us to learn about others, their traditions, and their behaviors.

To study music is to study the learning process. Through music, people become engaged in the learning process and develop keener insights into how knowledge, skills, attitudes, feelings, and the senses interrelate.

To study music is to study the imagination and self-expression. Music provides an avenue for developing self-expression and creativity.

To study music is to study the basics. Music is a comprehensive art. Through its study, students come into contact with other basic areas of the curriculum: math, science, social studies, languages, and physical education.

To study music is to study art. Music offers us an opportunity to develop aesthetic sensitivity. The study of music teaches people to appreciate quality - those products of human creativity that represent the highest order of thinking, feeling, and technical achievement.