Might there be a Suzuki Method in Cartographic Education?

Abstract

Shinichi Suzuki and Carl Orff have developed methods for teaching music to young children that utilize the same perceptual skills they use in mastering their mother tongue. This paper examines a possible association between music and map design and suggests that in both there is a need in communication for a disciplined use of the basic components, be they notes or graphic elements. By improving the perceptual skills of children in vision more meaningful long-term results may be gained among map users than in remedial efforts at retraining adults in various map use skills.