THE years of being a music teacher at a primary school have made me realise how important it is for children to be exposed to this art form. I had found gifted students and those who later discovered their musical gift. Watching small children play wonderful music and perform before large audiences is a wonder and amazement. It is truly rewarding to see them shine. It is such a pity that other primary students do not get this opportunity.

Many of our primary students have been robbed of the development of their musical intelligence. This has shortchanged the development of one of their multiple intelligences. Schools that have engaged their students in music programmes, have found that their students are more focused, organised and confident. The majority of the students that were exposed to primary music and active musical performance have done well in high schools, colleges and also in their personal lives. There were students who went to high school and continued with music where they joined school bands, and progressed to become musicians and performers. There were others who migrated and were quickly accepted into high schools because of their ability to play an instrument or perform before an audience.

Then, there were students whom I never had a chance to teach directly and who had watched me teach from a distance. They had observed the classes and rehearsals from door jambs, cracked doors, board partitions and windows. Many of them, after leaving primary school, had joined various groups and bands and entered festivals and competitions of one kind or another. I never knew what effect I had on those students until I was asked to adjudicate music festivals in several parishes many years later. At the end of those competitions, many approached and reminded me who they were and revealed how they first learnt music. All I could say to them then was "well done!"

It is really about time that more primary education teachers give support to the music programme that was intended for the students to enjoy. Administrators have gone to colleges and learnt of Howard Gardener's theory of multiple intelligences. I am sure musical intelligence was one that was studied and how important it is to the growth and development of a child. It is very unfortunate that many of these administrators have not transferred that knowledge to their schools, thus creating an "off-key" element in the students' lives. There is so much worldwide research to support that exposing children to education in music can enhance their holistic development. We need to stop shortchanging our children and expose them to good and healthy musical experiences.

lysdave@yahoo.com