Another short posting today, this one on musical intelligence.
As most of us know, many people live for music. They live life via music. They crave it, and express themselves via music. That is musical intelligence and they understand it and use it.
As they say, music is the universal language.
I can hear music, but I can tell I don’t get the full tonal qualities of any music playing. I also don’t understand lyrics, unless I have sheet music, and that someone is pointing out the words, and following it along with me.
We all know that the famous music composer Beethoven started losing his hearing when he was in his 20s. Eventually he became completely deaf. But he never stopped doing his passion for music. I’d say for somebody who went deaf, he had very, very strong musical intelligence, and never stopped his love for it.
He had conversation books, in which he and his friends wrote to each other, and through these books he would discuss his knowledge and passion for music. As I understand it, some of his conversation books still exist today. I think those conversation books were pretty awesome for those days.
Many DHH people do play and listen to music, regardless. It may be louder and have more vibrations and a definite beat tone, often using their residual hearing.
If you do see DHH people playing or singing, it’s probably more enjoyable if sign language was involved, or if a interpreter was along to help stay in sync with the music. There are deaf choirs, that use sign language, and it can be very pretty to watch.
If a DHH person is really passionate about music, you will definitely know.
If a DHH child shows interest in music, provide musical training or expose them to musical events.
I played snare drums for a while. I was told by a music teacher that drums were probably the best instruments for DHH people to play, although others may disagree with that.
For sure, musical intelligence is one of the more beautiful and artistic ones.
Wish I could hear music better. I know it’s a wonderful thing.
