Nasser Al-Sirami Al-Jazirah newspaper Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Society has recently started again giving music courses after a 20-year hiatus. In addition, the society is working on selecting members of their new choir from young applicants. How to play music courses will be offered again and special music events will be held for veteran musicians in Al-Ahsa and other places as well. So far the society has not received any criticism or complaints from anyone who is against such music courses, which is a good thing. Saudis don't only adore music and art but they export it to the Arab World. Saudi dream love songs are the most popular in the Arab World. Saudis represent the largest number of fans in Arab radio stations and satellite TV channels as well as of concerts that are held in Gulf and Arab countries. By the way, most of these radio stations and TV channels are owned by Saudis. Music doesn't only relieve us, but it also soothes and comforts us. It makes us less angry and hostile toward others. Above all, it invigorates our bodies and increases our efficiency. We should admit that music is food for the soul. Therefore, schools should use music in extracurricular activities. After all, there are no legal impediments or any regulations that I know of preventing schools from taking such steps. The Ministry of Education should incorporate music in its annual cultural activities. Schools should also give similar attention to art, photography, sculpturing, acting, and other creative activities that fall under the art category. Arabic music dates back to thousands of years. Archeologists found that the root of Arabic music indicates that it appeared before the pre-Islamic period. Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, a scientist, cosmologist, logician, philosopher and musician who was born in 872, wrote “The Book of Music”. In it, he laid down music rules that are still in widespread use among Arabic musicians. The book was translated into several languages. The first section of the book deals with the music industry while the second focuses on how the music started. Al-Farabi talks about tunes, melodies, how and when musical instruments appeared, and the principles of music industry. The book elaborates on the principles of music industry, popular music instruments Arabs have used since time immemorial and the rules of composing melodies. His book is considered the most authoritative work on Arabic music written by an Arab. Al-Farabi's book can be rewritten for school students after more simplifying and explaining its music concepts and terms. Both male and female students can study the book. By doing so, we will have revived music in our schools. Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the great Muslim physician, scientist, and philosopher, once said: “Three things should alleviate any pain: taking a long walk, hearing a good song, and doing what makes you happy.”
