This semester has been an immensely enjoyable experience and has taught me things I never thought I would learn. Learning how to actively listen to music has forever changed my outlook on music in general. For the midterm assessment, I wrote that I thought something that has been particularly interesting to me were some of the more abstract pieces such as Black Angels, where I was able to finally find the artistry in what otherwise seemed like a random, bizarre collection of sounds. During the second half of the course I was able to take the skills we learned in the first half that made me appreciate the artistry in these pieces and reinforce them to the point where I could apply them to some of the songs I would hear on the radio everyday which brought the course full circle for me. Before this course began, I listened to music simply at face value, and was never someone to look much deeper into the artistry behind the songs we all love. I really only listened to more popular music on the radio just for the catchy tune. After an entire semester of fine tuning techniques to develop a deeper understanding of the music that I listen too, I find myself gravitating towards music that I would have never listened to otherwise and developing an appreciation for the artistry in all genres of music.
Living in a world surrounded by noises and sounds, one cannot deny that music lives all around them. Schools, street corners, sporting events, there is one thing you will always find: music. Music education is quickly becoming defunct in schools, as many try to decry its many benefits. A growing emphasis on the concrete subjects of math and science, whose benefits are more immediate, are pushing the creativity and imagination of music classes to the back of the budget. Music education is no longer described as stimulating and exciting, but rather unnecessary and distracting. But the benefits of having an education in music is undeniable. Simply being around music can have a positive impact on life. Music enables the human race to discover emotions that they have never uncovered before. The human mind is refreshed by music; “our imagination and memories are stimulated by the sounds, and summon feelings and memories associated with the musical sound” (Wingell 15). Without music, the world would be silent. Lifeless. No matter what language one speaks or what culture one is from, music is a universal language, connecting the hearts of people around the entire world. In schools throughout the nation, that connection is being severed because of budget cuts and lack of funding, but the benefits of music education are clear. The benefits of having an education in music are not only present in the classroom; a lasting impact is also left on the social and emotional growth of a person, though the gains may not be evinced immediately. Participating in musical education programs in schools can give students the opportunity to form lasting friendships and to gain skills that will last them their entire lives. Music education can be beneficial to students because it enhances students’ performance in the classroom, aids in improving student’s interest and engagement in school, and advances students’ social and emotional growth.
Ever since I was young I have always had a passion for music. I love understanding what drove the artist or musician to write that song. I never thought I would take the time to really appreciate classical music until I took this music course. I attended two classical concerts that left me entirely speechless. Not only were the pieces that were played relaxing but also each musical piece had a beautiful and powerful meaning
This class experience has enhanced my understanding of the art world and how visuals play a major role in expressing certain ideals. The way certain artists portray their art is caused by many different techniques. It’s amazing to see my progression through out from week to week through my discussion boards. I even learned something the very first week of class, in the Abbott reflection I stated, “A big theme in this photograph is the use of lines. As we have studied in class lines add a lot of meaning and can be used interchangeably. Also, I like how the
Everyone has gone through a time in their life where they thought, “Wow, I accomplished this.” For some, it could be something simple such as learning a new skill, finishing a video game series, receiving your license, or even something amazing like scoring the winning touchdown in a football game. Well, being a student that has been surrounded by music throughout the entirety of my life, I have something under my belt that is considered a little bit beyond “great”
thus I entered the University of Michigan’s music school. However, I came to the realization that
After evaluating student’s responses, it is important to recognize that teachers and directors have different perspectives and views. Mrs. Grizzle, the director here at VCMS, and three students were asked a series of questions regarding how music can help them and other students. Furthermore, Mrs. Grizzle has said, “ I hope that I impact students to have confidence in themselves, constantly work for improvement, and accept everyone.” This shows us just how much
Although my formal journey in music had to be temporarily halted once I started high school, my musical background has allowed me to construct my own identity in the world. I have acquired a sense of admiration for both the elaborate and simplistic elements that exist within the vast depths of our perception. I realize that possessing a commitment to persistent study through a solid foundation is crucial. I realize that in order to pursue my own interests and passions, choosing to think for myself, is equally as vital. I have come to view life as an infinite climb in which I am constantly seeking new heights. Although my niche in this world is evolving constantly, my appetite for learning remains resolute. My desire to test the limits and boundaries of life is fueled, not by the notion of reaching the top, but rather within the journey of overcoming obstacles in my struggle to unlock the mysteries of this world. The need to satisfy this perpetual craving for knowledge inspires me to search for answers—to understand the depths of life and where I stand in the midst of it
Seeking experience in music, I spent over half of my high school career invested in fine arts programs such as AP Music Theory, Patriot (honors) Guitar, and Advanced Chorus. The music community was all but uninviting and blossomed into a society I wanted to continuously take part in for as long as I could.
Music gives us a language that cuts across the disciplines, helps us to see connections, and brings a more coherent meaning to our world. I started my interest in music when I joined band in middle school, playing trumpet and then switching to French horn, a more complex instrument, in high school. Upon entering college, I decided I was going to give up my passion for music and focus on academics. However, during my first semester as a Pre-Med student, there was something significant missing in my life; music.
Throughout my years in school I have maintained a high grade point average and been accepted into clubs such as the National Honors Society. Additionally, I have had the fortune of being chosen for the schools Pioneer Superlative award, as well as, given a burrows scholar award in the area of concert band. These awards have spanned the course of my high-school career and touch upon a few areas of interest I have. One of the big areas of interest in my life that has influenced me greatly stems from music. I have participated in concert band since 4th grade and have had the ability to perform with numerous musicians and musical groups of varying ability. To elaborate, I have played with my school jazz band and concert band as
As I mention in the presentation, liberal arts are all the education that provides an overall knowledge which includes the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences. For the period of the middle ages, these general studies include music, grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, “education based on the liberal arts and intended to bring about the improvement, discipline, or free development of the mind or spirit.”
This course taught me an insane amount of things about music. I did not actually know all of the things musicians put into creating music and the amount of pure talent it takes. The “Ways to Listen” forms were very helpful when it came to analyzing compositions and just listening to the music in general. There are so many things to analyze about a composition that it is almost hard to remember exactly all the questions that need to be answered in order to do it properly. I actually saved the “Ways to Listen” document onto my own computer for future references. As I am also enrolled in a Music Theory class at my high school. The philosophical viewpoint in the ways to listen form is the question that really made me think and learn to appreciate the music more. Most of us seem to forget that there is actually an underlying message or symbol that is significant to the piece. This plays an enormous role in composition and gives us a better idea as to why the composer wrote what he/she did. The SMHRFL form was extremely helpful at analyzing the pieces given to us as well. Learning that music actually had a ‘texture’ was just insane to me. The SMHRFL form has also been extremely helpful to me in my highschool class also and has been a big help to my class. It makes learning and listening to the music much easier and easier to follow along with as you
As a musician myself, Karl Paulnack’s Welcome Address touched my heart. I may not be a music major, but I empathize with his beliefs on the importance of music. Like Paulnack, I have also experienced conflict between myself and the influence regarding my goals. Unlike Paulnack, the force discouraging me from pursuing my goals was not my family or society, but my own self.
Staying the course is significant, it provides Individuals with balance into working a high-stress kind of job overall, listening to music helps me relax and stay focused. I believe it is essential to have the right balance in your life which could mean listing to music that gets you focused and ready to help your clients. Before doing my practicum, I like listening to sounds of the ocean on my Spotify app; I also look to this kind of music when I read and do papers, I find picturing myself in nature and hearing the relaxing sounds helps my body feel at ease. When it comes to harmonics that help me are things like listening to sounds of running water or the ocean, this assists in elevating my mood and making me feel more focused on my readings.
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.