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PHILOSOPHY OF MUSIC EDUCATION Music education is important for all children. Music is essential in helping human beings with their desire to express themselves and be creative. Music can transport us through various moods, emotions, and feelings. Students should have the chance to express themselves, since every human being has the ability to express him or herself. While writing and speaking are often ways used in the school systems, these two channels should not be the only ways. Musical expression can be just as profound and has proven to be enduring throughout all of history. In speaking with an elderly friend of mine, she was so excited to inform me that she was able to teach her grandchildren songs that she had learned in fourth and fifth grade. She explained to me that if for nothing else, she understood that music should be taught because “it is a lasting, beautiful tribute to all societies and peoples.” More often than not, music is heard in the fast-paced, everyday world. It is heard in stores, on television, and even in the workplace. Music surrounds the minds and lips of people everywhere. Something that has had a huge impact in every culture and every period of history deserves an in depth look in the school systems. Music is apart of the traditional American heritage. Music is sung or played at most major religious and patriotic holidays and celebrations. Music is found at funerals and weddings. This music brings a sense of unity to the people that are participating in these various activities. But, through music education, these individuals can be taught a deep appreciation of the music and find a special meaning and a sense of self through the exploration of music in education. Music can also provide a great opportunity to explore history, language, and other cultures. Texts, musical markings, and background information can supply a peek into a different world with an explanation of past time periods, ancient and current languages, and religious customs. From a very young age, children must be guaranteed exposure to music and should be learning as much as they can in music. Since curiosity at young ages is so great, it is extremely important to teach as much as you can. Students can learn to sing, to play instruments, and to experiment with all different music. It is very important to let kids explore their singing voices and various instruments. Also, at such a young age, children are more likely to have unprejudiced ears. It is possible that they will experience and enjoy many types of music (including different modes, meters, and styles), and appreciate these different types of music for their whole lives. On the way through the school system, music might become more of an accessible endeavor as opposed to a “mandatory” class as students become more individual and begin deciding what they actually like. Music classes must be offered to teach students necessary histories and theoretical approaches to music so that there can be an appreciation of the music that they are constantly exposed to. Instrumental and choral ensembles must be offered to extend the invitation of creativity and expression. These, too, can be used to teach aural and written theory and history, as well as balance, blend, and a genuine love of playing and/or singing. Therefore, students should be given an opportunity to experience music and completely understand the music that they are constantly exposed to. Educators are responsible for ensuring that students have developed completely as individuals in our society. They should be happy, useful, and inspired. Students must be given the opportunity to enter their adulthood with the hopes of bettering the world in some way.
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