Philosophy Of Music Education
University
of Wisconsin Oshkosh
April
11, 2003
Pat Conroy once
said, "Without music, life is a journey through a desert." I could
not agree more. It seems like music is always going on in the background,
whether through a radio, birds singing in the sky, or your own humming of a
favorite tune. The reason that music is present in our lives is because we
chose it to be. There is nothing more empty then silence.
Music has the
ability to express what words alone cannot say. It is a part of our lives and
without it life would be pretty quiet. No matter what kind of music you listen
to it adds to your days. Music can change the affects. It relaxes, agitates,
and inspires. That's why we love it. It gives meaning to every moment. The
aesthetic value alone makes it significant, but there are even more levels.
Music is culture and history. It not only tells us about our past and culture,
but also that of other cultures around the world. In this way music serves to
unite everyone and everything in harmony. In many cultures music is such a part
of daily life that there is not a word for it in their language. So truly to
experience music of that culture, is to experience life in that culture. With
all the cultures in the world it is important to understand more then just your
own. Music teaches about this better then anything else.
In the classroom
several things are required to be taught. These subjects' purpose is to create
a well-rounded individual ready to go out into the world. Among these are: the
sciences, math, history, reading, and writing. Music is to often overlooked as
something that will benefit a student's growth. But it teaches things that
can't be taught in other classes. Music builds self-confidence,
self-expression, leadership skills, and the ability to work in a group as a
whole not just as an individual.
Recent studies
have shown that involvement in music, including listening as well as
performing, will increase a child's spatial-reasoning abilities. This discovery
basically says that music will help children in math. As important as math is
in this world of technology, if public schools can't see the benefit in all the
other good things about music they should at least be able to see this.
A wide variety of
music should be taught in schools, but the emphasis should be on western music.
To understand our current music we must understand the music of our past. Still
music from other cultures, or multiculturalism in music, is an invaluable
source and is very important for a balanced music education. There are two ways
multiculturalism should be incorporated. It can be used to help teach music
that you are already working on, or it can be used to help broaden students'
cultural awareness. No matter what, music from a different culture will always
serve as a taste of something new beyond the usual repertoire,
Everyone should
have the opportunity to learn music in schools. In most public schools music
ensembles such as choir or band are offered giving anyone a chance to be a part
of music. However, not everyone gets involved in these courses. It is for this
reason that general music courses should be required for all students so they
can get a taste of music beyond the aesthetic values of "it's
pretty". Music being such a part of our lives, I think it is important
that everyone gets a good taste of it.
Inclusion and
mainstreaming is very important in the music education world. Most students
with disabilities cannot be in the regular core classes with their peers. Music
is different. It gives these students the opportunity to work in a group,
producing a great end result. Music can give a sense of accomplishment that of
which they might have never felt before. It is for these reasons that every
student should have chance to experience music.
The people that should
teach music are those who love it the most. These persons must be caring role
models and must have an unending desire to instill a love of music in every
student they teach. They must be knowledgeable in all aspects of music, truly
dedicating their lives to it. Music teachers must also have a never-ending
supply of energy, for teaching music truly is a life, not a job. They must be
able to anything and everything and still be able to receive nothing but the
satisfaction that music was taught and a student was inspired. Most of all
these persons must believe that teaching music is the greatest job in the
world. For, to teach something so incredible and so important is an honor.