Art and Inquiry

What is the purpose of art in education? This question has caused a rattle in the music education community. On one hand, some say that art is only as good as it has external connotations; on the other, some say that art is intrinsically meaningful without external connotations. Historically, this divide can be best seen in the clash between Absolute and Program music. 

Absolute music can be defined as "independent of the objective suggestion of title, text, or program and dependent on structure alone for its subjective comprehension." [1]

Program music can be defined as "instrumental music that carries some extramusical meaning, some “program” of literary idea, legend, scenic description, or personal drama." [2]

These two conflicting ideas matter in the realm of musical education; if the purpose of music is unclear, then from what angle should music--and all the arts for that matter--be taught? 

Thankfully, coming from a Seventh-day Adventist view, we are not left without some kind of hinting guidance. In Ellen White's book Education, she expounds on the method by which True Education is given: 

"True education is not the forcing of instruction on an unready and unreceptive mind. The mental powers must be awakened, the interest aroused. For this, God's method of teaching provided. He who created the mind and ordained its laws, provided for its development in accordance with them. In the home and the sanctuary, through the things of nature and of art, in labor and in festivity, in sacred building and memorial stone, by methods and rites and symbols unnumbered, God gave to Israel lessons illustrating His principles and preserving the memory of His wonderful works. Then, as inquiry was made, the instruction given impressed mind and heart." [3]

This idea gives grounding to the place of music and all arts in Adventist education: "In the home and the sanctuary, through . . . nature and . . . art . . . God gave to Israel lessons illustrating His principles and preserving the memory of His wonderful works."

Put another way:

Art creates interest; interest creates inquiry, and inquiry leads to instruction.