Music has existed for centuries and it is the first and the last thing that appeals to every soul. At the time of happiness, grief, contemplation and any other situation it is music which can express one's own internal feelings, emotions and personal desires.

The aesthetic aspect and the great power and energy in music were sometimes used to unite people. Music also played a great role in encouraging people to defend their lands, cultivate their farms and hunt animals. Today, it is even used in curing diseases, including cancer.

Music therapy is in widespread use for a variety of behavioral and neurological problems. According to Dr. Pascal Belin, a French researcher, Melodic Intonation Therapy promotes recovery from aphasia, a sever language disorder caused by strokes. A recent publication provides evidence that attending cultural events, reading, playing music and singing are associated with health and longevity.

Music affects the body in two distinct ways: directly as the effect of sound upon the cells and organs and indirectly by affecting the emotions, which then in turn influence numerous bodily processes. Investigations have shown that music affects digestion, internal secretions, circulation, nutrition and respiration. Even the neural networks of the brain have been found to be sensitive to harmonic principles.

Dr. Lawrence Parson of the University of Texas conducted a study in 1998 which showed that a significantly greater part of the brain was being used during musical performances than was previously thought. He and his colleagues found that there is an area in the right half of the brain that interprets written musical notes and passages of notes and that is known to interpret written letters and words. It also has been recognized that in very left-brain situations such as studying new material, music awakens the intuitive, creative right brain so that its input can be integrated into the whole process.

Playing music is an effective way to occupy your right brain while concentrating on left-brain activities. Listening to music allows you to do mental work while remaining relaxed and focused. With appropriate music, the pulse and blood pressure decreases, brain waves slow down and muscles relax.

Interest in music is innate and exists within all human beings. The best time for chidren to learn music is during their preschool and primary school years. In some countries such as Poland and Hungary music is emphasized in such a way that children are quite familiar with notes, melody, rhythm and harmony before elementary school.

Unfortunately, in Iran no special emphasis is placed on music education, especially teaching children music. There are no music training courses in Iranian schools. Children are either not taught music or they are taught by unqualified teachers. Of course, there are a handful master musicians who have dedicated their lives to teaching.

According to Iranian composer Kambiz Roshanravan, only one children's music cassette was produced and distributed in Iran last year. Children's centers have not been very active in this field, although the effects of music on the souls and bodies of children are obvious.

Why don't we use music to promote creativity, boost the intelligence and uplift the soul?

Teaching music to children prevents social maladies and juvenile delinquency and is the best way for them to spend their free time. Of course, educating parents about the value of music education is equally important.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of support for musicians. State organizations do not pay enough attention to music. The achievements of individuals in the field of music are not properly disseminated. There is lack of programming in this field. This has lowered the level of music in the country.

If music was taught seriously in schools like it is in other courses, the youth would be more familiar with music and they could either follow it professionally or enjoy it as entertainment.

Author John Goodlad believes that art is one of the five types of knowledge, along with mathematics and science, literature and language, society and social studies, and mechanical knowledge.

Music contributes to the school and community environment, it helps prepare students for a career and is an avocation. It makes a day more alive and interesting, which in turn leads to more learning. It promotes a higher level of thinking. Music contributes to self-expression and creativity. It enriches life and helps us understand our cultural heritage as well as other past and present cultures. Performing, listening and composing music are satisfying activities.

Music encourages team work and cohesiveness. Music education fosters discipline, individuality and commitment. Music is a major source of joy and it is a predictor of success in life. It develops intelligence in other areas.

Research has shown that music lessons improve children's performance in schools. Dr. Frances Rauschres of the University of California conducted research showing that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers tested showed a 46% boost in their special IQ, which is crucial for higher brain functions such as complex mathematics. Rauschres believes that complex music may prime the brain for mathematics or other analytical work because it triggers the same brain activity.

Of course, all music is not beneficial. Some kinds of music can be harmful and have negative effects, not only on human beings but also on animals and plants.

Good music should heal and uplift the soul. It should inspire. Music is a way of getting closer to God, of rising higher towards the spiritual world, of attaining perfection, if only it is rightly understood.

Now it is up to musicians and composers to introduce people to meaningful music. Music should be taught to people step by step so that people can comprehend it more easily.

It is also the responsibility of officials in the field of children's education to establish music courses. Let's get more serious about music!