Karen Harcum

Have you ever considered that in every human community around the world, there are two things we all share? First, we have all developed ways to communicate our wants, needs, pain, struggles, fears, and happiness. In every cultural gathering, a common language emerges, allowing us to express our emotions and desires in a way that is understood and accepted.

The second shared element is music. Music serves as a universal second language, crafted and mastered by talented individuals within each community. If we regard music as a second language, it raises an interesting question: Why isn't it taught in the same way we learn our primary, spoken language?

I've noticed that the greatest musicians often learn to communicate with their instruments in much the same way they learn to speak their first language. Just as the most articulate young individuals begin absorbing language almost from the crib, they learn to use musical language from an early age.

In my own experience with my children, my wife and I always spoke to them in a manner that they would eventually use as adults. We avoided "baby talk," believing that even if they couldn't fully understand the words, they would navigate from their level and grow into their ability to express more complex ideas.

This approach should be mirrored in music education. We shouldn't teach a simplified version of musical language, which they would eventually outgrow, akin to baby talk. Instead, we should nurture their understanding of the full musical language from the start, enabling them to become proficient musicians without needing to relearn the basics later on.

Here’s a clip of one of the world's most creative and talented bassists, Victor Wooten, explaining his musical journey to becoming the performer he is today. Check it out, share your opinions, and don’t forget to subscribe.

Victor Wooten at TEDxGabriolaIsland by TEDx Talks