Ethel Home's “Music as a Language: Lectures to Music Students” serves as a profound exploration of the theoretical and practical elements that underpin the art of music. With a lyrical writing style that mirrors the fluidity of music itself, Home employs an approachable yet intellectual tone, engaging students through a series of insightful lectures. This work contextualizes music within the broader spectrum of linguistic expression, drawing parallels that illuminate the intricacy of musical communication. Each chapter blends pedagogical theory with real-world applications, making complex concepts accessible to both aspiring musicians and seasoned practitioners. Ethel Home was a luminary in the field of music education, influenced by her extensive background in both music performance and theory. Her experiences as a composer and educator inform her accessible, yet in-depth, approach to teaching. Recognized for her commitment to progressive education, Home strove to bridge the gap between artistic expression and academic study, a theme that resonates throughout this collection of lectures. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians reflects her belief in the transformative power of music. “Music as a Language” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand music's role as a profound form of communication. Students of music, educators, and enthusiasts alike will find Home's lectures to be not only enlightening but also inspirational, as they invite readers to perceive music through a lens that emphasizes its expressive potential and linguistic beauty.
