Music as a human need: A plea for free national instruction in music

"Music as a Human Need: A Plea for Free National Instruction in Music" by Alma Webster Powell is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. The book addresses the essential role of music in human society, positing that music serves as a fundamental human need intricately linked to social and emotional stability. It advocates for the establishment of national systems for free musical education, arguing that such institutions are not only beneficial for individual development but also critical for societal health. The opening of the work presents a comprehensive introduction to Powell's thesis, which emphasizes music's vital connection to human emotion and society. She outlines how music has evolved alongside humanity, serving as a remedy for emotional disturbances brought about by social pressures. The author supports her arguments with observations from various historical and contemporary contexts, asserting that music can help maintain societal equilibrium and is essential for the cultivation of national identity. Through an analysis of the emotional effects of musical engagement, she highlights the need for public support in the arts, framing music as a remedy for both personal and communal hardships.