From ancient emperors to modern public servants, music has long played a surprising and powerful role in the development of great leaders. Roman Emperor Nero was known as a skilled lutist. John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States and son of John Adams, was an accomplished flutist. And they’re not alone—history is filled with influential figures who were also dedicated musicians.
But this isn’t just a charming historical detail. There’s a deeper reason why so many leaders throughout history have immersed themselves in music: the discipline, focus, and character-building it requires mirror the very virtues that make strong leaders.
Music in the Heart of Classical Education
In classical education, music holds a place of deep significance. Far beyond extracurricular flair, it’s part of the Quadrivium—the advanced subjects of medieval education that included Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy.
The 6th-century scholar Boethius categorized music into three types:
Musica Mundana: the music of the universe
Musica Humana: the music within the human body and spirit
Musica Instrumentalis: the music we sing and play
This hierarchy reflected the belief that music is not merely for entertainment but a noble pursuit that connects the individual to truth, beauty, and the divine order. Plato agreed, writing:
“Music is a moral law. It... leads to all that is good and just and beautiful.”
Playing Music: A Path to Virtue and Excellence
While listening to music certainly has value, playing music develops something far deeper. Learning an instrument instills personal habits that align perfectly with the core values of classical education. It requires:
Daily practice and perseverance
Self-governance and personal accountability
Discipline and attention to detail
These aren’t just musical skills—they’re life skills that shape scholars into thoughtful, virtuous leaders.
Music and the Brain: A Powerful Connection
Science confirms what classical educators have long believed: music transforms the brain. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can shape both brain structure and function, enhancing memory, focus, and language skills.
A powerful example is former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. After surviving a traumatic brain injury that affected her speech, she used music therapy—returning to her childhood instrument, the French horn—to help regain language. Why was music more effective than speech therapy? Because music activates multiple regions of the brain across both hemispheres, engaging memory, rhythm, language, and emotion simultaneously.
Music Builds Community and Creativity
Music isn’t just an individual endeavor—it’s profoundly social. When musicians play together, their brains actually synchronize. Studies at Johns Hopkins, Georgia State, and the University of Houston revealed that musicians improvising in groups experienced:
Deep bilateral brain activity
Heightened creativity and focus
Strong inter-brain communication
These findings reinforce something musicians have long known: making music together builds deep, meaningful connections and a sense of shared purpose.
Music as Embodied Learning and Leadership Training
At John Adams Academy, we emphasize embodied learning—education that engages the mind, heart, and body. Few activities accomplish this more completely than playing music. Scholars don’t just learn about music—they experience it, live it, and grow through it.
Learning an instrument directly supports our Core Value #10: Self-Governance, Personal Responsibility, and Accountability. Progress in music requires internal discipline, responsibility to one’s ensemble, and the courage to perform—skills that easily translate to leadership in any arena.
The Legacy of Musical Leaders
Think about names like Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and Neil Armstrong—all renowned not only for their accomplishments but also for their musicianship. Their musical discipline reflected their intellectual curiosity, emotional depth, and capacity for focused, long-term achievement.
So perhaps it’s time for us, too, to dust off that old instrument or pick up a new one. Whether you’re a scholar, parent, or lifelong learner, making music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to shape the soul, build community, and prepare to serve others with excellence and purpose.
Ready to explore more about music in classical education? Follow along with our upcoming series on the arts and leadership—or better yet, join us at John Adams Academy, where we’re not just teaching scholars to think and lead… we’re also helping them find their voice.