Philosophy of Music Education
Fall 2007

            “Please write 500 words on why you have chosen your intended area of study.”  Many college application essay prompts read something like this.  I look back on these essays and remember writing phrases like, “I want to teach music so I can share my passion with others,” or, “so I can give students opportunities I had.”  Of course these are true statements, and for examples of such we need look no further than Hollywood blockbusters like “Mr. Holland’s Opus” or “Music of the Heart.”  But music education is more than just telling your worst clarinet player to “play the sunset.”  Music education is a crucial part of every child’s education because it allows students to develop their musical intelligence and to understand an integral part of their own culture.

            It is undeniable that music is part of our everyday lives, from the jingle on the morning news to pop songs on the radio.  Music is a language which affords all humans a special means of communication and expression.  It is a part of all cultures, past and present.  Just as we teach our children U.S. and world history, literatures, and languages, it is essential that we teach them to understand this integral facet of culture.  Humans have communicated in this medium for eons, and it is therefore equally as important as learning English or social studies.  A school music program also allows students to develop their musical intelligence.  Gardner, in his Theory of Multiple Intelligences, stated that music is one of seven unique intelligences.  Where some intelligences such as linguistic, interpersonal, or intrapersonal can be learned in almost any classroom setting, musical intelligence can only truly be honed in music class. 

Music offers a multitude of utilitarian benefits such as improved team work and communication skills, increased discipline, and the confidence boost that so many seek.  For example, the child who may not excel in soccer or basketball or feels like an outcast may come to find that he or she loves to play the viola.  This gives the child a place where he or she can make friends, be accepted, and truly belong. 

            Students should also know and be able to perform basic music tasks.  First of all, they should be able to understand and appreciate different types of music.  This includes musics from across the globe -- from Indonesian gamelan to Japanese Noh drama.  This is also an important skill that students should apply throughout their lives.  They should be able to communicate ideas through music by developing and applying musical literacy.  This ranges from performing a trombone solo with piano accompaniment to improvising a melody on the recorder.  Also, children should become comfortable participating in music by singing.  If students are encouraged to sing more in early education, they will be able to understand and enjoy music more comprehensively as they grow older.  These are basic principles that apply to all age and achievement levels, recognizing specific goals for specific levels is also crucial. 

            Making time for music during the regular school day will always prove beneficial to the students.  For some children, public school is the only place they will have the chance to learn about music.  It can open the door to a whole world, a language, an art.  Music is a unique discipline, and it’s presence in public school is critical to the development of all students.