A Personal Philosophy of Music Education

There has always been a strong need for education but it seems this need has greatly increased in today’s society. Education has the incredible power of breaking down barriers that exist between people and societies. By offering formalized education to students, the students will gain knowledge that will help them become well-rounded members of society. Our schools try to help students become well-rounded by teaching them a variety of subjects; yet, the arts are typically removed from the curriculum with the excuse that the arts won’t teach them things they need to know in the real world. However, the arts provide knowledge in areas that other subjects cannot. Furthermore, music teachers can incorporate information from most other subjects into their lessons.

One of the most powerful aspects of music is its ability to be accepting of a great number of learning domains. Music tends to be a place where a number of different domains can be addressed such as the psychomotor and affective domains. The psychomotor domain refers to the inclusion of physical movement and interaction in learning. A music classroom is one that can incorporate movements with singing or playing instruments, which are already psychomotor activities. The affective domain refers to the emotional interactions in learning. A music class is one of the only places students can be affected by the content of the class emotionally and effect the content by their emotions. A music class is a place where aesthetic experiences are common and easier to come by.

I feel that the most appealing aspect of music for students is that a music setting is a safe place for them. Music is accepting of almost all people; learning styles, interests, disabilities, and abilities typically don’t affect it. The content of music classes can be adapted to fit the needs and desires of all students. I think this aspect is special because it is inclusive of everyone. Students who are unsure of themselves during adolescence, or any time, can be certain of acceptance here because music can’t turn anyone away. As a teacher, I think that we need to encourage people to become involved even if they aren’t the greatest musician in the class; they are still learning as much as the student sitting next to them. And it is vital that we give them this opportunity.

Two things I would like to offer to my students are opportunities and experiences. I feel that students should be given the opportunity to try everything in music and have the opportunity to experience all aspects of music. It is one thing to teach your students about music; it is another thing to let the music teach them; and it is yet another thing to teach them through music. I think to be a successful teacher of music you must incorporate all three of these ideas equally in your classroom.

Music is a common bond for all people not just musicians. It is the one thing that most everyone experiences on a daily basis. It is used in all facets of life. Our societies are trying to find a way to teach everyone so they are learning the same information. So why do school take away the one thing that we all use in our daily lives and serves as a uniting force for a number of people? It seems that if music is that common for all people that we would strive to teach people about it and keep it around as a tool to tear down some of the other barriers society has. I intend to advocate the use of music not only as entertainment but also as an educational tool to teach our students about other cultures, how to succeed in other areas of study, and about the ways of life. Music is a tool that can be used very powerfully in teaching many concepts of life.