Philosophy of Music Education

Katie Schmidt

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Revised April 11, 2003

Imaging what the world would be like without music. Imagine a life without singing, playing in a band, or extra-musical activities such as background music while you shop or elevator music. Music is an important aesthetic art form that everyone encounters wherever they go. What better way to appreciate music, than to study it? Our first music education experience begins in pre-kindergarten and goes all the way through middle school. Most of us value that experience and hold a special place in our heart for music, but why should music be taught in school? What kind of music should be taught in school? Who should learn music in school? Who should teach music in school?

Music is a very important aspect in my life. When enrolled in a music program, you create a whole new family, a special bond not found anywhere else. Your fellow musicians experience the good and bad times with you. Your music teacher not only acts as your teacher, but your friend as well. Music is a fun feeling and expression that once discovered, is hard to live without. Everyone is impacted in some way from his or her music program.

There are many reasons music should be taught in schools. Music is found in virtually every culture, and we, as teachers can accustom our students to a wide variety of different cultures. Students can learn about other cultures in their History or English classes, however in music, students can actually feel and understand, and try to be a part of that culture. Children tend to be afraid of things and people who seem a little different from what they know as their everyday lives. By teaching culture in the music classroom, teachers help break down the barrier students may have toward other students because they are different.

Music is something anyone can experience. Music therapy is one example of how music can help influence the lives of all people, including the physically and cognitively disabled. Music does not discriminate against anyone. Rather, it encourages people to be the best they can be, and teaches everyone they can be a part of the music experience. Music is such a wonderful advantage children have in their education and I believe that when you include all students in the classroom, each student forms a bond with one another. I believe that when all students are joined together, each student can relate to one another and begin to look beyond the differences between them and just enjoy the music. Students may even begin to include students with disabilities or other differences in activities. They will begin to be less afraid of those who are a little different than they are.

I also believe that mainstreaming and inclusion for students with disabilities is important because it helps those students understand that they can do those things the so-called "normal" students do. Many of them, whether through self-understanding or thoughts put into their heads, do not believe they are capable of such things. However, music is a subject that everyone can participate in, no matter how severe the disability; music makes everyone happy. I believe that when students with disabilities pair up with students without disabilities the experience can be even more rewarding for both the students and the teacher.

Throughout their music career, students should also learn about important concepts such as composition, performance, listening, and how to discuss music. In composition, students learn that they too have the opportunity to compose music through the use of improvisation. Students learn that performance does not just mean that everyone must give a formal concert. Many people give smaller concerts or recitals to entertain themselves or other people. For example, Christmas carolers go door to door to bring music to other people. And even children give small concerts just for their parents. In any way, students must learn the endurance and preparation it takes to give a great concert. Listening acts as one of the most important skills students should learn. By listening to all types of music, students widen their musical experience and understanding. Discussing music, how it makes you feel or what the music might be portraying also acts as one of the most important aspects of learning music. Music as a universal language is easier to communicate when you understand it.

I also believe that music should be a required class through middle school. Once students reach the middle school level, they should be given the choice of either instrumental or vocal music classes. By giving students a choice, they are getting the freedom to choose what they want while at the same time, they will still be receiving the important music education they need to help enhance their lives.

It is difficult to decide who should teach music in school. Some guidelines might be that the prospective teacher must not only be a good teacher, but also have a passion for music. If a teacher loves his or her job it is easy to come to work everyday and teach. Students can sense whether or not their teacher loves their job. If they do, the teacher will begin to influence their students and help them. Teachers must be ready to give 110 percent every day, no matter what type of mood they are in. Students look up to their teacher, and if they see their teacher give 110 percent, than the students will give 110 percent as well. They must be willing to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Music teachers often spend many hours before and after school hours. Teaching music is a time consuming, yet rewarding job. The world would be and empty place without people there to share it with.

In conclusion, I believe the world would be an empty place without music and people to share it with. People need to have those aesthetic values in their lives, and they need to have someone to share their experiences with. Of all the music educators in the world, each holds their own beliefs on what is most important in their lives. Eventually, everybody combines their thoughts and ideas and we create a wonderful world full of musical experiences.