Music’s power by renowned master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen is the Socially Sparked® Quote of the Week. The Danish author is best known for fairy tales that have stood the test of time as The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Princess and the Pea. In honor of Music in Our Schools Month we spotlight the Danish tailspinner’s quote on the power and importance of music to all.

music's power by Hans Christian Andersen quote of week
Han Christian Andersen Statue, Central Park

“Where words fail music speaks,” – Hans Christian Andersen (1805 – 1875)

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was born in Odense, Denmark, in 1805. Andersen achieved worldwide fame for writing innovative and influential fairy tales. Many of his stories, including “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Princess and the Pea,” remain classics of the genre.

An innovator in the method of telling tales, Andersen combined his natural storytelling abilities and great imaginative power with universal elements of folk legend to produce a body of fairy tales that relates to many cultures. One reason for Andersen’s great appeal to both children and adults is that he wasn’t afraid of introducing feelings and ideas that were beyond a child’s immediate comprehension, yet he remained in touch with the child’s perspective.

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Music In Our Schools (MIOSM) month occurs every March to engages music educators, students and communities from around the country in promoting the benefits of high quality music education programs in schools. This year’s theme is ‘Music Connects Us’.

The month-long celebration began as a single day in New York in 1973. New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller acknowledged the Day with a proclamation that rings true to this day:

” . . music is a powerful esthetic force. It brings spirit and joy into the life of every individual. It dignifies the realm of feeling by merging intellect and emotion in the search of a humane way of life. It strengthens international and racial bonds.”

The importance of music in our lives is well documented, well sung and well understood. Music unites us, moves us, soothes us, heals us, educates us — and the list goes on.

Music’s magical powers transcend all people, cultures and societal issues. So listen to the music, create music, play music, educate others on music — especially when words fail to penetrate your understanding. — We are Socially Sparked! — Tweet @sosparkednews