Danielle Kjar Priest Music E-502 Philosophy of Music Education Music has a profound influence on us, both as individuals

and as communities. It has the ability to create a unique, transforming experience that has led it to a place of prominence throughout history amongst cultures everywhere. Music provides understanding that is accessible on both an individual and a communal level, providing what Wayne Bowman called a unique sense of connection to and unity with the world (in Philosophical Perspectives on Music, 1998, p. 283). Generations around the world have recognized this as they passed on their musical knowledge to their children. Music education is a necessary component to a holistic curriculum in todays schools as we strive to nurture students and prepare them for a global community that is forever shrinking and drawing us closer and closer to one another. In our society today, we are surrounded and influenced by music wherever we go. An elementary music classroom not only provides children an opportunity to develop emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually, but it teaches them literacy in a type of communication that will affect them the rest of their lives. Because each child deserves the joy and enrichment furnished through music education, it behooves the administration of every school to establish a music program and provide a music educator capable of teaching music in its various forms. For the elementary music classroom, this teacher must have a broad knowledge and skills set. Apart from being a skilled a musician, the teacher must understand the teaching philosophies of Kodly, Orff, Dalcroze, and Gordon. The teacher must have an understanding of the role music plays in the world at large, as well as in different cultures and subcultures, and an awareness of the diversity represented in our society. The lessons and repertoire must then reflect this knowledge, while exhibiting a sense of discernment regarding the intellectual and emotional value afforded through repertoire selections. It is also important, given the intricate history of music and religions, to not restrict the use of religious musical material in the classroom. While it must, not be used to promote any religion, it is imperative to recognize the academic and aesthetic value found throughout music birthed in religious tradition. The music classroom itself should reflect a focus on the value of music and the diversity of its literacies and fluencies, both through the activities presented and in the physical environment itself. Activities and lessons must be structured to include musical concepts and behaviors such as singing, rhythm and beat, melodic notation, playing instruments, improvising and composing, listening and analyzing, and moving, in ways appropriate to each grade level. Because of the wide varieties of experiences and activities necessary to give children a multifaceted musical perspective and to help them find their own musical voice, it is requisite to have a classroom dedicated to music education where there is copious room for movement. It is expedient that this space also includes a piano, audio/visual media, Orff instruments, and access to computers or a computer lab with installed music applications. With the understanding that a music education is a complex discipline with numerous multilevel, overlapping facets that provide an opportunity for emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development, music literacy becomes a very desirable component to a complete education. For most young students, school represents a microcosmic community that is their first stop on their journey into global community that will require them to think creatively and communally, and to display a new level of understanding and communication beyond what we can imagine. Music education addresses these objectives in a unique and comprehensive manner. If these opportunities are not provided in the early years of education, students will lack the foundation they need to continue in music, and some will never discover its unique experiences and benefits.