In “Music as a Human Need: A Plea for Free National Instruction in Music,” Alma Webster Hall Powell eloquently advocates for the essential role of music education in fostering human development and expression. Her literary style blends impassioned rhetoric with empirical evidence, creating a compelling narrative that underscores music's universal significance across cultures and its cognitive and emotional benefits. Contextually, Powell's work emerges during a time when music education was often undervalued, emphasizing the necessity for systemic change to integrate music into the national curriculum, thereby enriching the educational landscape. Alma Webster Hall Powell, a pioneering figure in music education, draws from her extensive experience as a teacher and composer to craft this urgent manifesto. Her life's work embodies a commitment to democratizing access to music instruction, informed by a profound understanding of how music shapes individuals and societies alike. Powell's insights are rooted in the belief that musical literacy is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, reflecting her dedication to uplifting communities through the arts. This book is essential reading for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the arts, as Powell's vision remains relevant today. With its powerful arguments and passionate plea for societal change, “Music as a Human Need” serves as both a historical document and a call to action, urging readers to recognize and champion music education as a crucial aspect of human flourishing.
