Both Gandhi and the Bahá'ís give importance to musical training. Gandhi writes:
Relating musical instruction to the potentially uplifting and positive effects of music on our emotions, `Abdu'l-Bahá writes:music should form part of the syllabus of primary education
The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted. It has wonderful sway and effect in the hearts of children, for their hearts are pure and melodies have great influence in them. The latent talents with which the hearts of these children are endowed will find expression through the medium of music. Therefore, you must exert yourselves to make them proficient; teach them to sing with excellence and effect. It is incumbent upon each child to know something of music, for without knowledge of this art the melodies of instrument and voice cannot be rightly enjoyed. Likewise, it is necessary that the schools teach it in order that the souls and hearts of the pupils may become vivified and exhilarated and their lives be brightened with enjoyment.[19]
It may interest the reader to note that music has been shown to be related to human neurophysiology, and might even be potentially important for health.