Philosophy of Music Education
University
of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Revised
April 11, 2003
~Why is music important
in life?~
Music - the
combination of sounds and tones as a form of artistic expression (The New
American Webster College Dictionary, p. 450). Music is a part of life that is
with us every day whether noticeable or not. Music can be the primary focus or
an insignificant background blur. The importance of music in life is beyond
explainable.
To a musician,
music becomes a form of expression and creativity. Musicians undergo aesthetic
experiences, something unexplainable to anyone outside the arts. These
experiences are not only emotional, but intellectual as well. Experiences which
reach a state of beauty and richness far beyond anything received in a normal
educational environment. These aesthetic experiences are not valued for a high
grade or statistic, but something inside which comes from your soul. An
outsider listening to the music play may learn more about that person simply
from the emotion that the person puts into their piece. Of course, then the
question would arise: What about the rest of the world? How is it important to
the people who do not face music every second of their lives?
Some people don't
realize how often music is a part of their daily lives. People do not want
lives of purely working and making money, they look for experiences that are
interesting, rewarding and satisfying. This statement explains why music has
been around since the beginning of time and continues on throughout the entire
world. Music brings people together - social gatherings, listening pleasure,
discussions about music, recitals, performances, classrooms, enjoyment,
relaxation, communication, learning and understanding. Most likely there is not
a day that goes by where people do not interact with music in some way. There
seems to be even more situations where music is not the primary focus, but it
is definitely there. What about shopping, movies, exercising, holidays, church,
dancing, sports and even the alarm clock in the morning. It seems you just
cannot get away. Music is so important in our everyday lives, without it life
could almost be considered dull.
~Why should music be
taught in schools?~
Learning about
music is so much more than simply playing a few notes or singing in the right
key. For a child to really learn music they need to be instructed by a trained
professional just like any other subject in school. Maybe a more insignificant
reason, but still equally important, is simply by having music in the schools -
it allows students to have a break from the normal heavy curriculum while still
being educated. Music has also been known to enhance the brain. Students in the
music program generally score higher on the SAT examinations than students not
in the arts (Introduction to Music Education, p. 9). It is thought that the
complexity of the combination of notes, fingerings, dynamics, and articulations
helps a child to develop more abstract thinking. Music is also included in
schools for athletic events, to show citizenship, a school song and played in
certain classrooms. The most important benefits that a music program in the
schools will give to children are: feelings of self-confidence and pride from
various musical performances, finding an excellent role model in their teacher
and developing traits that will make the student successful throughout their
entire lives. A music program in the schools is especially important to those
students who wish to continue their lives with music. Without this they would
have no basis on which to go with in their future. These students may take
private lessons, but this will be nothing in comparison to experience they
would receive in a music program. Although the program may seem insignificant
to some, it may truly be one of the most important parts of the school
curriculum.
~What music should be
taught in schools?~
A simple answer to
this question would be: all music should be taught in schools to give students
a taste of everything. But is that really possible? The unfortunate answer is
no. There would never be enough time to play all music. On another level, we
must also consider school policy. What would happen in the superintendent
walked by and "M & M" was being blasted from the band room? At
this point the teacher is putting their job on the line. In picking music to
play or sing the teacher must not only consider what they find appropriate for
the students, but especially what society views as the "norm". Part
of the job as a teacher is to teach the students about their culture and what
the parents, school and even nation wants out of a music teacher. As an
educator, there may be new ideas outside of the "norms" of the
culture that the instructor wishes to incorporate into the music program.
However, the teacher must add these ideas very gradually to see what works and
what does not. If things are changed to quickly, the plans may backfire and the
students may not be able to interact with the instructor. The job may also be
at stake depending on the situation. With so many issues involving simply
picking out music it may seem that the teacher would be stuck. But really not
in the least, it just takes a little adjusting to the curriculums needs and
wants. Once the teacher starts to get the hang of things, it becomes their
choice to soar to any heights they wish.
In actually selecting
the music, first pick something traditional. These songs people know and for
the most part will be musically educational if the pieces are still available.
Traditional pieces also demonstrate techniques that are important to the
student's education. Something newer may also be a nice selection. This adds
some variety and uniqueness to the performance. It is just as well to play something
never heard before. The instructor may also want to select something fun - like
a song from a movie, musical or top 40 hit. These types of songs get the
audience moving and the students have a good time. These selections are also
highly recognizable by pretty much anyone. The last important type of music the
teacher shall provide for the students is a piece with a lot of expression and
lyricism, something passionate and musical. This selection could come anywhere
from classical to a piece based on tragedy, love, a movie or a huge success in
life. More or less, a piece with a story behind it to show the students and
audience the amount of emotion that goes into composing a piece of music.
Beyond that it is up to the teacher to decide what is appropriate for their
program, no two classrooms are alike and that is why there is such a profound
uniqueness behind every school's music quarters.
~Who should learn music
in schools?~
The obvious answer
is: everyone should learn music in schools. If the students do not at least try
it, how will they ever know if they like it? However, is it really possible to
have every person experience music throughout their entire years in school? Not
really, that is why schools come up with a curriculum where students eventually
get a choice whether to involve music in their lives or not. It is hard to
exactly put a time when the students should have the choice due to maturity and
other factors. A curriculum that seems to work quite nicely is: a general music
class through the 5th grade, a choice of band, chorus or general music through
middle school, and lastly a choice of whether the students want music in their
lives or not when they enter the high school. This system allows for some
experience with music, as well as giving them a choice whether to involve it
with their lives when the choice of a career comes into play. Also, giving
students a choice at the high school level benefits the teacher as well. At
this point the students will be more motivated and willing to learn because
they want to be there. The entire atmosphere tends to be more fun and a lot
more gets accomplished everyday.
~Who should teach music
in schools?~
Music teachers can
be anyone, but a good music teacher is a whole different story. A good music teacher
portrays qualities of a good person. The teacher must portray strong traits
everyday to keep their classroom and students going. Some obvious traits would
be organization - to keep their program running smoothly; responsibility
realizing that in a lot of cases if the teacher is not, their students will not
be either; dedication - showing up for work and classes everyday and on time
despite the circumstances or willingness; and discipline - not only for
themselves but the students as well. Some traits we sometimes tend to breeze
over but are equally important are attitude - always being positive and caring;
outgoing - so the students get to know you on a personal level; funny -
although this may not seem necessary, "laughter is the best medicine",
humor just makes the class more enjoyable and brings the teacher down to a more
normal level; and motivation - being able to keep yourself going strong while
being a motivator in the process. The most important overall trait, in my
opinion, is to be a good role model. Not only in the classroom, but outside as
well. If you demand something of your students, you must be sure that you
possess that trait yourself Outside of the classroom the public is constantly
watching you. Unfortunately, if you screw up, there is a good chance that the
students will hear about it. It is so important that you strive everyday to be
a good person and demonstrate traits which you would want your students someday
to attain.
Although there is
no scientific equation on how to become a great music teacher, teach the
perfect song or develop the most beneficial classroom, getting close is very
possible and many teachers have accomplished it already. Becoming a teacher is
a very long and difficult process, but I truly believe anyone who wants it bad
enough can overcome the world. The most important thing is to love your
students, make your work your passion and develop the dreams of those around
you. Only then has greatness been achieved.