Philosophy of Music Education
University
of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Revised
April 11, 2003
I believe that
music is an important part of life that should be included in everyone's
educational experiences. Music serves many purposes from cultural traditions to
learning techniques with small children. It plays an important role in society
today, and is necessary for all people to learn.
Music has many
cross-cultural benefits. It can present the morals imposed by a given society
and help to make students more aware of their culture. Where small communities
may not have the opportunity to actually live among other cultures, they have
the opportunity to learn more about them through their forms of music. While
students become more aware of other cultures, they can also become more aware
of their own. While language can become a barrier between cultures, music can
serve as a translator. Not all people understand each of the languages around
the world, but I believe that music serves as an international language,
understood by most anyone. Where one could not express themselves in their
native language, music helps to simplify the task, and break down the language
barriers.
Music also has an
effect on the ability of a person to express themselves. By learning to control
ones emotions through music, it is also possible to control ones actions by
music as well. Listening to or performing music may divert anger or other
negative emotions. I believe that through learning music, young students are
encouraged to develop creative thinking skills. Students are forced to use
their imaginations and emotions when performing and composing pieces. Music
helps the student to develop other skills as well. Musical knowledge enhances
other artistic abilities, abstract thought and even helps to build a students
motor skills. By learning music, students are able to enhance their academic
performance in other areas of learning as well.
I think it is
important to involve the student in their personal learning experiences.
Students should be involved in the process of repertoire selection. The teacher
should allow students to choose from a selection of previously approved music.
By doing this, the teacher avoids unhappiness of students, and allows the
student to become involved in his/her education process. I believe that the
music selected by the teacher should have some sort of educational significance.
Music of cultural or historical value should be interwoven into the curriculum
along with standard repertoire to help students acquire the necessary skills
for further performances.
I believe that
music is important for everyone to learn. It is a part of every day life. We
have music in our cars, music in our elevators, and even musical cell phone
tones. Students should begin learning about music at a young age, as it is a
valuable part or our lives. I also believe that mainstreaming children with
disabilities into the music classroom can be a very valuable experience for
everyone involved. Every child, no matter their disability, deserves to learn
about music in the least restrictive environment.
I believe that to
produce well-rounded and well-educated students, we need to take music
education seriously and give it the same amount of emphasis as the rest of the
academic programs. Music is a form of art, and should be included in the
curriculum as such. If we are to produce well-rounded students, we need to
provide them with a well-rounded education.
Music is an
important part of life. It is necessary for cultural understanding and a tool
for self-expression. Music is a way to help learn the values of a society and
enhance ones learning skills. It is important for music to be taught by
knowledgeable staff, and for everyone to learn more about themselves and the
world that surrounds them.