Philosophy
Philosophy /filosifee/ n. the use of reason and argument in seeking truth and knowledge of reality. esp. of the causes and nature of things and of the principles governing existence, the material universe, perception of physical phenomena and human behaviour.
While the other arts rely on an established relationship between words or images and everyday life - books, theatre, film, sculpture, painting all involve words that we use to communicate or recognizable colours and forms - music is different. Music is the international language that transcends all social or cultural barriers. It has an ability to communicate and include. Because music is so ‘user-friendly’ musical ideas have been exchanged around the world for millennium.
In our fiddling program, learning is active - not passive. The violin gives students instant experience. As they begin to control the instrument, it begins to communicate. In a few hours students are creating recognizable sounds. In a few days, they’re performing in public. There, the audience’s responsive clapping reinforces a child’s new sense of accomplishment. These are all important steps in building esteem and forging focus. This new path to learning can irrevocably change a child’s future.
Student Trainer Andrea Finney, from Sioux Lookout, works with students at the Parry Sound Fiddle School, 2006.