Philosophy
Music does have a rightful place
in the curriculum of every schoolchild, and it is important that students gain
an understanding of this integral part of human culture. The importance of
music can be seen through its use at ceremonies like weddings, birthdays,
sporting events, etc. Our children need to be given a background in music, so
they can appreciate and fully participate in this valued part of our culture.
Furthermore, as children progress through their schoolday, they frequently become
bored and begin to miss using their imagination and creativity; music helps
them learn to truly express themselves through their playing/singing. Their
imagination can be stimulated by activities like improvisation and composition,
while their need to express emotion can come from playing notated music in a
meaningful way. In addition, music is a language of its own that gives children
a way to communicate with each other and with people of other cultures.
Music can be one of the most effective teachers to prepare students for adult life. Students learn to work together as a team when playing together in ensembles. In addition, they use self-discipline when they practice, listening to themselves and correcting their own mistakes. Also, children learn perseverance and the rewards that come from true dedication; they reap the fruits of their labor every time they play a concert for which they spent hours practicing. Students gain many of the same experiences in a general music class; they too spend time learning an instrument and see their work pay off when they can play or sing an entire song.
Before graduating from high school, students need to have a proficient understanding of musical history, appreciation, composition, and performance. Students need to have learned how to listen to and understand music written by composers throughout history in addition to the music from other cultures and genres today. They need to know how music is tied to other art-forms like dance and art, understanding their parallel histories and how they are all connected. The children must have experience creating their own music by exploring composition and improvisation and experimenting with their sound. Most importantly, my students need to be able to “audiate” music and feel the rhythm; the children must be able to hear music in their head before they can create their own. Lastly, the students need to be able to proficiently perform on an instrument (including the singing voice), having learned the technique and style required to play (or sing) varying repertoire both solo and in ensemble.
In conclusion, music is a vital part of students’ lives. By including music in our schools, children gain invaluable insight into various cultures (including our own) and in themselves. They learn to express themselves and to understand others with a language that is used all over the planet.
Music can be one of the most effective teachers to prepare students for adult life. Students learn to work together as a team when playing together in ensembles. In addition, they use self-discipline when they practice, listening to themselves and correcting their own mistakes. Also, children learn perseverance and the rewards that come from true dedication; they reap the fruits of their labor every time they play a concert for which they spent hours practicing. Students gain many of the same experiences in a general music class; they too spend time learning an instrument and see their work pay off when they can play or sing an entire song.
Before graduating from high school, students need to have a proficient understanding of musical history, appreciation, composition, and performance. Students need to have learned how to listen to and understand music written by composers throughout history in addition to the music from other cultures and genres today. They need to know how music is tied to other art-forms like dance and art, understanding their parallel histories and how they are all connected. The children must have experience creating their own music by exploring composition and improvisation and experimenting with their sound. Most importantly, my students need to be able to “audiate” music and feel the rhythm; the children must be able to hear music in their head before they can create their own. Lastly, the students need to be able to proficiently perform on an instrument (including the singing voice), having learned the technique and style required to play (or sing) varying repertoire both solo and in ensemble.
In conclusion, music is a vital part of students’ lives. By including music in our schools, children gain invaluable insight into various cultures (including our own) and in themselves. They learn to express themselves and to understand others with a language that is used all over the planet.