Van Schalkwyk, Gertina2017-09-122017-09-122001Van Schalkwyk, G. (2001). Music as an agent to human development: a systems approach. Acta Academica, 33(1), 45-64.0587-2405 (print)2415-0479 (online)http://hdl.handle.net/11660/6856English: Human beings are uniquely rhythmic beings — without rhythm there is no life. From conception to death the human being is embedded in rhythmic patterns and pulsations. Patterns of biological and personal functioning represent the everchanging rhythmical dance of life. This article will discuss the connections between the structural and functional components of the individual and music. The dynamic processes observed in the interactions between the human being and music in various contexts lead to an understanding of the dynamics of developmental outcomes which are never a steady hum, but rather symphonic.Afrikaans: Die mens is ’n unieke ritmiese wese — sonder ritme is daar geen lewe nie. Van konsepsie tot die dood is daar ’n verweefdheid met ritmiese patrone en die polsing van die lewe self. Patrone en prosesse van biologiese en persoonlike funksionering is ’n voortgaande ritmiese dans. In hierdie artikel word die verwantskap tussen die strukturele en funksionele komponente van die individu en musiek bespreek. Dit is ’n dinamiese proses wat uit die interaksies tussen die mens en musiek in verskillende kontekste lei tot ’n nuwe begrip vir die dinamiese ontwikkelingsuitkomste wat in die simfonie van die lewe teenwoordig is.enHuman beingsMusicHuman developmentHuman beings and musicArticleUniversity of the Free State