Philosophy of Music Education
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
October 22, 2002
I cannot imagine what my life would be like without music. I can’t even begin to fathom what the world would be like without music. I think of a world where there is no singing, jamming out with friends, going to concerts, playing of instruments, or just purely listening to my favorite CD while I do my homework, and I get a cold chill down my back. The thought of there not being music in my life, or in this world frightens me terribly, because I know without it, a part of me would be missing. My philosophy of music is just that. Music needs to be kept alive, and a big factor in the existence of music is the teaching of it in schools. I feel that everyone needs a little music in their lives to truly be happy. I feel that music is very important and should be taught in schools, because that’s how the beauty spreads! I also feel that a variety of music should be taught and that all children should learn some form of music, no matter how intricate or simplistic, all students should be exposed to music. Again, I feel that the people with passion and determination, understanding and compassion make the best music educators, and for those reasons, I want to become one of the people who can help spread the magic of music to children in schools.
First of all, the fact that I believe so strongly in music and its positive influence on people is why I feel it is important in life, and also why it should be taught in schools. My grandpa is a great example of how music absolutely has positive effects on people. My grandpa has been very musical all his life, since he was a young child. He has sang and played guitar for and with us since as long as I can remember. A few years ago he was diagnosed with the beginning phases of Alzheimer’s disease. I firmly believe that since he has been musical his whole life that his case is much less severe than someone who has not been touched by music. This is also another reason I feel music should be taught in schools, especially in the beginning years. If a child is exposed to music his whole life, he/she will have an easier way of dealing with everyday stress, and even expressing his/her feelings. Also, music has many “extra-musical” benefits, and that is another positive reason why music should be taught in schools. Whether or not it has been proven, it is obvious that children involved with music are taught good practice skills, and learn to develop new techniques, and develop creativity on their own. Musicians tend to be more trained in people skills as well. Kids who involve themselves in music are often more outgoing, as they are often tested by performing solos or other small group ensembles in front of an audience. The pressure these kids are put under is a fantastic life experience in that they are learning also to deal with other pressures along the way. Music is the universal language, and that is why it is important that each person should speak some of that language. These reasons, along with many others are why I feel that music should most defiantly be taught in schools, and why it is important in life. I feel that the two categories coincide, in that school is part of life, and so is music.
Music, as it is the universal language, should be taught in many different forms and cultures. Students should be challenged to learn foreign music, as well as classical and pop culture. Each style of music is unique in its own way, and all music has something to offer each person. For example, if a choir is preparing for a concert, I feel that a good repertoire would consist of all different varieties of music. Each student should develop versatility in music by learning music in different languages, and different styles (classical, popular, etc.). By learning more forms of music, students are exposed to different cultures, for example, Spanish, German, or Italian. When I sing a song in Spanish, I am more aware of the style of music in Spain, and how it is similar or different than ours. By learning pop music, students are exposed to what music is about now and what artists use to make their music what it is. Students can be exposed to this simply listening to the radio! That is what makes music so special in our world, the fact that there are SO many different kinds, and there is so much to be exposed to. My thoughts on school repertoire are that it should be versatile, cultural and a fun challenge to all students.
As a student, I feel that my life would be incomplete had I not learned music early in my life. As a college student now, having been exposed to music at an early age was the best thing that could have happened in my life. Now, I realize that not all children need to take piano lessons or any kind lessons before schooling age, but I do feel that all children should be exposed to music in school. Whether it is a simple music class one day a week, or private lessons, it is my belief that children under age ten should all be exposed to music. Since music also helps with other things, it is a good idea to have that kind of background. I feel that by age ten, children should at least know how to read notes and play a simple instrument, the recorder for example. This may seem unrealistic, but I feel that there is no reason why music couldn’t be offered in all schools, even in simple form. All schools offer some form of physical education, and it is my belief that music is just as important. It is physical education of the mind and emotions in a child. Music will most defiantly help children with expression of feelings and emotions, as well as teach them some form of dedication and practice habits leading to more time organizational skills as they grow up. As a student in the field of music education, I firmly believe that music should be taught in all elementary schools to all children.
I am in college right now so that I can be a music educator for the rest of my life. It is very simple for me to understand why I am here and doing what it is I am doing. For one, I love children, and I love music. These are two very convincing reasons to become a music teacher. I feel that people like me, and like all the other students in this class should be teachers because we share a common interest; Passion for music. This passion and determination is what drives us to want to teach others. I feel that each person could use something in his/her life, and I like to hope that it’s music. I want to share my passion with other people, and hopefully help them to gain the same appreciation and passion for music as I have. I feel that to be a good teacher, you need proper training, compassion, love for music, and be understanding. For example, if a student is not the most fabulous singer, or instrumentalist in the class and he/she comes to you for help, rather than telling the student that they just don’t have what it takes, a good teacher would go to all ends to help this student achieve his/her goal in music. Since not everyone is born musical, this student may need extra help, and a good teacher would be willing to supply this help. Also, a good teacher would not embarrass a student. Embarrassment can be a tragic thing at a young age, and a good teacher would help to eliminate this at all costs. Now, I realize a little embarrassment is ok as it provides for some humbling, but nothing traumatic. I feel a good teacher will know when to let students decide, and when to take control, and that there needs to be a happy-medium between the two. These are a few of the things I believe it takes to become an educator of music, good training, empathy, compassion, and dedication.
Music is my life. My philosophy is that music should be a part of everyone’s life, big or small; it will make a difference to everyone. It is the cure for the common bad day! It is my opinion that music educators need to be positive, and absolutely compassionate about music, and the people they are teaching. Music is my world, and I want to share my world with the people around me who I know will benefit from its great attributes. Music is important in life, in school, and it should be taught to young children by a person who cares more than anyone else about music and the well being of everyone’s musical life. I want to share my passion with children, and it is my ultimate goal that they can see in music all the wonderful things I have, and will continue to see. Hopefully my philosophy can be a start in my life as a music educator, and that I can be an influence on the lives of my students through music. After all, a world without music would be like a world without color.