Why Music Is the Most Overlooked Subject in Homeschooling

If you’re a homeschool parent, you’ve probably planned lessons in math, literature, science, and history — maybe even a little art. But one subject that often slips through the cracks is music.

It’s not because parents don’t care about music. Many families include songs in their morning time, attend concerts, or encourage their kids to learn instruments. However, understanding the story behind the music — how it developed, what it expresses, and why it matters — is something few homeschool programs really teach.

And that’s a missed opportunity because music, along with its history and development, has the power to deepen our children’s understanding of both culture and humanity.

Why Music History Gets Overlooked

Most homeschool parents want to teach a well-rounded education. However, when time is tight, fine arts often move to the back burner. Music history, in particular, can seem intimidating. It’s broad, complex, and filled with unfamiliar names and styles. If the learning focus is on memorizing those, it can be terribly boring.

Additionally, most music history resources are designed for college classrooms or musicians — not middle- or high-school homeschoolers. It’s easy to see why many families skip it altogether.

Another reason is that music is often seen as a “performance subject.” If a student takes piano or violin lessons, it feels like they’re getting their music education already. But learning to play music and learning to understand it are two different things.

Music history connects the dots between what students play, what they hear, and what they study in literature or history. It helps them see music not just as entertainment or skill, but as a reflection of human thought and creativity across the ages.

Why Music History Matters

Think about how we teach other fine arts. We don’t just hand a child a paintbrush and say, “Figure it out.” We introduce them to Van Gogh, Michelangelo, or Monet. We show how art has changed over time and how it reflects the culture of its day.

Music deserves the same treatment.

When students learn about Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, Bach’s intricate counterpoint, or the emotional power of Beethoven and Romantic composers, they begin to see music as part of the great story of civilization.

Music history teaches:

• Cultural literacy – Understanding how music fits into the broader story of history, philosophy, and art.

• Critical listening – Developing the ability to hear patterns, structure, and meaning in what they listen to.

• Empathy and imagination – Connecting emotionally with people from different eras and backgrounds.

  
  

And maybe most importantly, it shows that beauty, creativity, and order matter — that music, like literature, tells us something about who we are.

How to Bring Music History into Your Homeschool

The good news is that music history doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It can fit naturally into your homeschool routine with a little structure and the right materials.

Pair Music with History Lessons

When you study the Renaissance or the American Revolution, listen to what people were composing during that era. Music gives students a living sense of the world they’re reading about.

Make Listening a Habit

Play short clips from different musical periods — even just five minutes a few times a week. Ask simple questions: What instruments do you hear? How does it make you feel?

Connect Music to Great Ideas

Discuss how composers expressed truth, beauty, and human emotion through sound. Music becomes even more meaningful when students understand why it was written.

Use an Engaging Structured Course

If you’d like a ready-made way to bring this into your homeschool, the MusicIQ course was designed exactly for that purpose — to make music history accessible, engaging, and inspiring for middle and high school students.

A Final Thought

Music is more than background sound — it’s part of the heartbeat of human culture. By teaching our students music history, we help them listen more deeply, think more clearly, and appreciate the beauty that has shaped civilizations.

Homeschooling gives families the freedom to educate the whole person — mind, heart, and soul. And that’s exactly what studying music history can do so beautifully.

The Importance of Music in Education

Incorporating music into education is vital. It enriches the learning experience and fosters creativity. Music encourages critical thinking and enhances memory. When students engage with music, they develop a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Creating a Music-Friendly Environment

To foster a love for music, create an environment that encourages exploration. Surround your children with various musical genres. Attend live performances when possible. Discuss the emotions and stories behind the music.

Encouraging Instrumental Learning

Learning an instrument can be a transformative experience. It teaches discipline, patience, and perseverance. Encourage your children to explore different instruments. This hands-on experience can deepen their connection to music.

Exploring Music Across Cultures

Music is a universal language. Explore music from different cultures to broaden your children’s horizons. Discuss how music reflects cultural values and traditions. This exploration can foster empathy and understanding.

Utilizing Technology in Music Education

Leverage technology to enhance music education. There are numerous apps and online resources that make learning music fun and interactive. These tools can help students learn music theory, composition, and even performance techniques.

Conclusion: Embracing Music in Homeschooling

Incorporating music history and education into your homeschooling journey is essential. It enriches your children’s understanding of the world and fosters a love for the arts. By embracing music, you are providing your children with a well-rounded education that values creativity and expression.

Music is not just an art form; it is a vital part of human experience. By prioritizing music education, you are nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and empathetic individuals.