Music Education Philosophy

Across the United States many elementary school music classrooms are filled with simple and popular tunes such as Hot Cross Buns and The Ode to Joy, played on the recorder, while high school students may be playing collegiate or professional pieces of music such as Armenian Dances and Carmen Suites. I have been very fortunate to have gone on the journey of progressing through different music education programs within Fairfax County Public Schools. If I was never exposed to music while in elementary school I might not have ever found one of my greatest passions or been able to create such fond and unforgettable memories. While music education programs across the country appear large and strong, many schools are beginning to experience budget reductions. As a result, music is often the very first component of a school 's curriculum or programs to be cut or significantly reduced, but I believe this is not the right course of action. It is important to preserve and promote music education in public schools because of the proven cognitive, character,and academic benefits for students.

Now that the first element of music education has been explained, it becomes relevant to quantify and define what determines a quality music education for an individual. It is not as simple as “one ought to be exposed to different kinds of music to listen to and enjoy for cultural diversity.” That is a key element to quality music education and pedagogy, but it is a little bit more involved than that. The first

Over 2.1 million children around the country do not have access to a music education program (Pellegrinelli 2). These students that are not introduced to music education could be able to learn and understand mathematics and reading skills much more efficiently by simply introducing music into their lives (Taylor 2). When involved in music, anxiety and depression levels could decrease as well (“Landmark 1). Music is not required in all schools, and students could benefit from more music education (Braun 1). Even though many students dislike music and think it is too hard, schools should be obliged to require music classes through grade school because students that are actively involved in music gain many

Today, many schools focus on preparing their students for their lives beyond the classrooms. They do so by focusing their limited resources on programs that they deem necessary for a proper education. Furthermore, when schools make cut backs, music programs are one of the first to be terminated. Ironically, music embodies many of the subjects that are not eliminated: mathematics, history, science, reading, etc. Music requires self-discipline, accountability, and teamwork: traits that most employers seek in young applicants. Students should participate in music programs because they foster cognitive development, inspire teamwork, and encourage students to adapt a solid work ethic.

Introduction: Too many children are struggling in Math, English, science, and Social Studies. They are too busy focusing on extracurricular activities such as band, chorus, and orchestra. They’re focus needs to be on their studies. Everybody loves good music but it isn’t something that needs to be in the school systems.

Whether we choose to believe it or not, music is a very present thing in one’s day to day lifestyle. From turning on the radio in the morning, to listening to it while grocery shopping, putting in our headphones while we study, music is always there. Music is also extremely underrated, which is why so many public schools are constantly threatening to take away music programs all the time. But why is music education so vital in the growth of students?

When you provide a child with new worlds to explore and challenges to tackle, the possibilities are endless. Music education should not be a privilege for a lucky few, it should be a part of every child’s world of possibility.” (Clinton). Every child should be provided with a music education because of the many valuable life lessons it teaches. Being in a music class or band will give students life long friendships and memories that will last a lifetime, and that is something that every child deserves to

After decades of research that support the positive effects of music on cognition and academic success, debates involving which purpose of teaching music is more important have risen. While one music

Opening the invigorating article, “Why Music Education? 2007” having so many atrocities pulling the world apart, music is a great way for bringing people together (9).

Many people believe that the arts, specifically music programs, hold no beneficial value to students other than for an extracurricular activity. Others believe that having these programs within our schools, only takes away from instructional time. However, research has shown that music education, and exposure to music in general, provides great benefits and values to the adolescents that are involved in said programs (“Music Matters”). Participation in music programs promotes the advancement of academic scores and sets students on the path to success later in life. Furthermore, these programs, be it instrumental or vocal, provide an outlet for adolescents to express themselves and have truly lasting implications on their global development. Notwithstanding all of the pleasure and self-confidence gained through participation in music programs, music education may provide important benefits towards students’ academics by improving their concentration levels and cultivating higher order thinking skills that may increase academic achievement.

The argument whether music should be taught in school has continued dividing both scholars and influential people to date. Both are backing their side of preference based on what they think is right and moral. People believe that music waste time that can be used to learn other important subjects such as maths and science. Music plays a significant role in improving student's grade since it develops numerous skills need to successes in school. Physical exposure to music classes and being actively involved in music stimulates the brain and changes the mind for the better. Despite numerous people disagree with the inclusion of music as part of school curriculum, its educational benefits are numerous because it helps the student with their academic success.

Think back to your primary and secondary school years. Do you remember going to music classes? Learning how to pluck out simple songs on the piano, a xylophone, or a recorder; or learning how to sing out a catchy tune? Did you have as much fun as I remember having? This fun is about to come to an end for the coming generations. Public schools are beginning to cut music programs from their budgets altogether, so our children may never know the sweet solace of scratching out a simple song. Generally, music programs-- as well as fine arts as a whole-- at the primary and secondary levels are depicted as mere extracurricular activities that are only found appealing to specific types of students and, thus, hold no real purpose or benefit. It has

“Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, charm to sadness, gaiety to life and to everything” (Plato). Music is a way for people to communicate their feelings. This expression can come through playing an instrument, singing a song or even listen to other people's music. As a music educator one has the responsibility to shape and nurture people's need for music. Musical education can be one of the most influential forms of education, because of the direct way music impacts our lives. When one is going into music education they must analyze the benefits for oneself, the advancement of those being taught and the contribution to and from the community.

Musical education is an important subject that is commonly overlooked and provides many benefits to children who study it. In chapter 1 titled, “Music and the Child - Why Music?”, there are many pieces of evidence pulled from different researches that suggest that musical education needs to be implemented into schools as a core subject. In 1999, Texas State University conducted a research study that provided evidence that studying piano can be connected to improvements in many core subjects such as math, science, and language. In addition, multiple other studies conducted by the University of Toronto and the Psychology Department at Stanford showed evidence that the study of music is capable of improving a child’s reading and language skills (Music and the Child). Overall, musical education has a large positive impact on a child’s education by providing them with skills that can better their performance in multiple areas of study. In chapter 1, I found the fourth bullet point on page 2.2 to be the most interesting. It states that music can improve a student’s self-esteem and confidence. I would have never guessed that music can have that kind of impact on a student. This fact is also very interesting because a student that is confident in himself may also be more likely to participate and be more involved in class. I found the sixth bullet point as the least interesting out of all seven. It states that music can benefit an above average student by providing them with more

“Education- should enhance understanding of the world, of oneself, and of one’s own experience” (Kelly 2009). What is important about music education? There are many important aspects in music education like pedagogy and performance. For me, music education is about letting the students express themselves. Having the ability to give an idea or to vent is a vital tool in today’s society. This concept influences music because expression is not only in how to connect a phrase, but also how to tell a story. With my time in college, Dr. Joseph Frye will always tell me to tell a story with music. He will also ask me what I want to feel after playing a piece. This is what I believe is important in music education.