Comments on: A Reader Asks: What can conservative Muslims do for music?

By: Abdul Rahman

Abdul Rahman — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 23:56:20 +0000

“So you’re saying there are Muslim private schools teaching Music as a subject?”
It was compulsory for at least years 7 and 8 unless the system has changed a lot since I left. Also for primary school kids. I’m training to be a teacher, has it really changed that much (gets nervous)?

“I don’t think reciting the Quran would be an acceptable substitute because it wouldn’t cover the learning objectives that we are required to meet as teachers.”
Recitation can be quite beautiful and lyrical, try googling Imam Sudais, one of my favourites. It is not like a dry reading from the Bible (God knows I did enough of those). It has strict rules about how it is to be done that tie in nicely with timing, and other elements that may be a part of the curriculum.

By: Law Student

Law Student — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:29:55 +0000

“I don’t see why private schools should feel compelled to force Muslim children to do music which unfortunately seems to be the case at a lot of the Muslim-run schools in this country.”

So you’re saying there are Muslim private schools teaching Music as a subject?

By: Amir

Amir — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:04:54 +0000

I’m not sure if music is even compulsory because I remember last year or early this year, there was a report that 2/3 schools don’t have proper music classes and many don’t offer music at all. From reading http://vels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/es.....index.html it comes under the broad category of “The Arts” and is grouped with the visual arts, drama and so forth. I’m not sure if this means that it it compulsory or just that it is recommended by the state.

In any case, I don’t see why private schools should feel compelled to force Muslim children to do music which unfortunately seems to be the case at a lot of the Muslim-run schools in this country. Surely, if they have to teach them such general concepts as tempo and pitch there are other ways of doing it. e.g. nasheeds

By: Baybers

Baybers — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 10:21:18 +0000

thank you for your post, I have wondered about the reasons behind teaching music to children, You have mentioned two, and there must be more. Can you elaborate for us?

I have no understanding in this area, and I am sure the other Muslim readers would be equally appreciative of your expertise in this.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 09:19:42 +0000

My question was what could non-muslim children in primary school do instead of music given that they are required by the education department to learn basic music. I don’t think reciting the Quran would be an acceptable substitute because it wouldn’t cover the learning objectives that we are required to meet as teachers. These acapella songs might work because they would still allow us to teach tempo, melody etc

By: Amatullah

Amatullah — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 07:33:37 +0000

Listening to Qur’an is ever better.

Perhaps a sample of some verses would have been nice for non-Muslim readers to hear.