On the Questions of a New Conception of Musical Instruction at General Schools

The requirement of linking school with life makes it Imperative for pupils, if they are to share in the cultural life of our society, to acquire the necessary experience, habits and knowledge in the field of musical art to an extent depth suited to their age.
The basis of work in the teaching of music is provided by the musical activities oi the pupils, by their constant contact with works of music, which is realized by singing and listening to music. Therefore singing and listening to music form the basic components of Instruction. In addition to that, elementary instructio'n in musical theory is given, which helps the pupils to deepen their aesthetic experience and to understand the compositions correctly. In the 1st to 5th year the teaching concentrates above all on singing and the development of musical abilities; individual work Is stressed (especially with pupils who are backward in singing or music). In the 6th to 9th year musical instruction is to enable the pupils, to a greater extent, to get to know the world specifically through works of music, to teach them to perceive music, to acquaint them with the best compositions of our composers as well as those of the world composers, and to give them an overall view of our musical culture and its mission in the national and social life.
A deeper link of school with the life and work of the people is reflected in the selection of the musical material, which is far richer in compositions with contemporary themes and in regional folksongs. All the classroom activities in music lessons are oerried in such a way as to pay due attention to social needs, and the socially organizational mission of music is then reflected in other subjects, in the life of the whole school and the community.