Philosophy of Music Education

As Bennet Reimer stated in A Philosophy of Music Education, Music education exists first and foremost to develop every persons natural responsiveness to the power and the art of music1 (Reimer, 1989, p.xxii). The objective of music education is to give students the necessary means to learn and discover for themselves the vast array of emotions music can instill in us. Through music education, students can expand their minds while achieving personal and academic success. I believe music education has the ability to heal and aid students in their personal growth. Musics ability to heal is something that has drawn me to be fascinated with this wonderful art form. Through studying, preparing and performing music, students have the ability to learn and discover how musics healing power can help them in their daily lives. Music allows individuals to grow personally, spiritually and mentally every day. Physical and cognitive aspects are used in music education that are not commonly found in other curriculum areas. Enriching students minds through music by helping them create and use the necessary tools to become successful learners is a primary goal of mine. Through individual lessons, I will aid students with their development on the particular instrument or voice. These lessons will also aid in the development of aural skills. Students will use these skills in all areas of the curriculum. Both formal and informal assessments will be used to develop the necessary skills students need to be successful in a music course. Goal-orientated classrooms are necessary in the music curriculum. I will share my goals for the department, ensemble and students with each class. In return, students will be asked to write goals they have for themselves, the ensembles they participate in and the department in a journal. Students will update and keep track of progress they have noticed throughout the year. These goals will not be collected but will be discussed at the close of each grading period. By doing this, students will be able to convey their emotions while striving towards common classroom goals. In A Philosophy of Music Education (Reimer, 1989), Reimer reminds us that students are working together towards a common goal while in a music classroom. Music allows students to create a work ethic and habits that are to be desired in life. Learning the importance of teamwork and individual practice is one way music education can affect teamwork. Each individual and their ability affect the outcome of the entire group. Thus, students will be encouraged to strive for perfection. The stakes are higher in music classes. When students are tested in music, it occurs in front of an audience. Because these performances are in front of an audience, each individual student is expected to perform with 100% accuracy. The Chinese proverb, Tell me and Ill forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and Ill understand lies at the center of education. As a teacher, it is my duty to strive for excellence in the classroom by aiding each student in their personal development of music education. This can be achieved by scaffolding students and helping students experience for themselves the vast array of emotions music has the ability to instill in us. I look forward to the challenge or preparing students for their future and teaching the leaders of tomorrow.

Bennett Reimer, A Philosophy of Music Education (Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2003) xxii