For all children, the ability to play a musical instrument is just as important as the ability to read and write. How far do you agree with this suggestion? How important is it for a child to learn to play a musical instrument, in your view?

The question of which skills

to prioritise

Suggestion

prioritise

for a child's early education is important for all parents in educators, and

music

and

certainly claim

Suggestion

certainly claims

to be a key possibility when deciding which abilities to teach.

However

, I feel that playing

music

is actually less important than basic

literacy

, and I will explain the reasons here.

Firstly

, it seems simplistic to say that

music

is paramount 'for all children.' Certainly, there are some children screen

resedency

the act of dwelling in a place

residency

re highly talented or have great interest in

music

, when we think of childhood prodigies

such

as Beethoven or Yehudi Menuhin we see how

this

talent can be brought out.

However

,

such

talents are rare, and even the enjoyment and cultural values to be gained from learning

music

cannot genuinely be compared to the benefits of becoming literate.

Secondly

, it is a fact that

literacy

is a guarantee of academic progress and the absorption of information, while playing

music

does not offer

this

security.

For example

, it will be unimaginable to transmit scientific or mathematical information to children via the medium of

music

.

Finally

, it is surely wiser to regard

music

as one of a wide range of secondary skills, ranking below

literacy

and sitting alongside sports, hobbies, foreign languages and important but less essential activities. Of course, those who say that highly talented

children

Suggestion

child

must be allowed to develop their talents are quite correct; it is equally true, though, the few seem to possess

musical ability

Suggestion

the musical ability

a musical ability

to the extent that it should be prioritized so highly for all pupils. In conclusion, I would not wish to underestimate the potential benefits of learning to play

music

for a minority of children, certainly be available as an option.

However

, if we think of all children in a given community,

literacy

appears to be a far stronger pathway to progress and independence.