Philosophy of Music Education
University
of Wisconsin Oshkosh
April
1, 2002
"Music has
the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and
if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to
music and must be educated in it, (Aristotle, Politics; Crofton and Fraser,
55). This statement was made hundreds of years ago and amazingly, it still
holds true today. Music is key to the world in which we live. It is an
important form of communication. Some say it is a universal language. It has
fused cultures and brought forth better understanding among people. Music can
help to express emotions, tell stories about the past and lead us into the
future. It is an important part of life, something that essential in a child's
education.
Music is a
valuable subject in and of itself. It is something that can help open a child's
mind and liven their imagination. There are so many types of music that one can
never learn everything about them. It is important that educators introduce
students to as many different types of music as they can. The world is rich in
music and each person should be taught to make world music their own.
Aside for music
being valuable just because it is music, there are the extra-musical benefits
of music. Many studies in recent years have begun to prove that music helps
improve brain function. For instance, the Mozart Effect study is working to
prove that listening to and participating in music can improve spatial
reasoning skills in children. This is certainly a bonus to the benefits of
music education.
Music can also be
used to reinforce and expand on other areas of the curriculum. One philosophy
is: "Mathematics is music for the mind - music is mathematics for the
soul," (Anon. Crofton and Fraiser, 48). Music is math in every sense of
the word. If a student works out a dotted quarter-eighth note rhythm by seeing
that there are four beats in a measure and a quarter note gets one beat, she is
doing fractions without even realizing it. This can help bring math to life and
give students the confidence they need to succeed in their studies.
Music can also
help to reinforce science classes. For instance, if students are learning about
rainstorms in their science class, the music teacher can arrange an activity
where the students can create a rainstorm using instruments. By doing this, the
students can recall their scientific knowledge to determine the process, then
put it to work musically while possibly learning new musical terms such as
piano (soft), forte (loud), crescendo (get louder gradually), and decrescendo
(get softer gradually). This is and example of how music can reinforce the
student's curriculum and bring concepts to life while educating the student.
There are so many
other parts of the curriculum that music can reinforce. It can help a young
mind understand the past because it closely parallels history. It dates back to
the first humans thousands of years ago. As the world has changes, so has
music. Music teaches foreign language, coordination, individualism and
teamwork. A child involved in music learns to possess the traits of
responsibility that will serve them well as adults. Along with the academic and
social benefits of music, there is the element of relaxation, enjoyment and
exploration of something new and exciting.
Music helps
children who do not excel in another areas like sports. It helps children find
a place for themselves in the big picture of school and life. Every child needs
to feel good about something that they do, to feel that they have a place to go
where they belong. Music raises children's self-esteem; it is an important part
of the maturing process that can be so difficult for children.
A music teacher
should strive to introduce a wide variety of music to her students. A teacher
may use recordings, live performances, readings, or performance literature to
teach the many types of music, from Western tradition to World music from the
Middle East, Asia, Africa, etc, to children. This will widen their horizons and
make them more accepting of diversity. It is important in this day and age that
people be accepting of those who are different from them. This comes from
striving to learn everything we can about other cultures.
Students, no
matter their shape, size, IQ, age or interest, should learn about music. Music
is for everyone. Disabled students who are mainstreamed into the regular music
classroom have just as much a need for music in their lives as the
"regular" student. These children can benefit a great deal by being
in a music classroom. It will teach them another way of self-expression and
give them a chance to explore the world around them. They will learn to work
with others and follow instructions. The "regular" students will have
the opportunity to learn more about people with disabilities, which can help
reduce the apprehension they may otherwise feel towards these people. They will
learn to be caring and compassionate, which is something that you cannot
instill enough into the young people of the world.
Many children will
find music to be relaxing. To some, music will excite them. Some will exit the
classroom and never pick up an instrument again; but may be able to say when
they listen to the radio: "this song is in common time." Others will
make it all the way to Carnage hall. Some students will walk away having gained
much; others may not. Nobody will have been hurt by the knowledge, though. No
matter the student, music will have an impact on them in some way.
A music teacher is
someone who is passionate about music. They love and appreciate music in all
aspects of the word. They have a positive attitude about life, school, children
and music. They have made a commitment to be lifelong learners and caring
intellectuals.
A music teacher
loves children and has the ability to be patient with them. Especially when a
child is picking up and instrument for the first time they need someone to say
it is OK to be nervous. Many squeaks will come out and maybe even some tears. A
good music teacher has the ability to turn the tears into smiles and teach the
students that in time, they will produce beautiful music.
Music is a
fundamental component in education. It has been around for the beginning of
time. It is an important part of history, and vital to the future. It is
important that we educate the leaders of tomorrow in every aspect of life,
including music, so that they can learn to be well rounded, caring
intellectuals as they grow and mature; and maybe a few of them will carry on
the legacy that has existed for so many years in music education.
Bibliography
Crofton, Ian and Fraser, Donald. A Dictionary of Musical Quotations.
1985, Schirmer Books, New York, NY.