Kratus, J. (2007). Music education at the tipping point. Music Educators Journal, 94(2), 4248. doi:10.

1177/002743210709400209
In this article, John Kratus refers to Malcom Gladwells book The Tipping Point:
How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. This article touches on the fact that
music education must be a constant change as a result of societys changing needs,
without maintaining to educate the best of musics past. It also discusses the
differences between music being taught at an institution, and self-taught music.
Music itself is an ongoing dynamic, or rapid, change. It starts with a passion that a
few people have, which leads to a broad group. The key is to make their mark on
this world and capture the publics attention; once the attention is captured,
movements become easier. This is an example how small changes in music
accumulates until it reaches a tipping pint and creates massive transformations.
On the other hand, music education may go through a rapid change in a negative
form. Subjects such as arts and music, are not as valued as other subjects such as
math or English. The public opinion affects music education; unfortunately, many
do not support music ed.
This article compares the differences within music education: music being formally
taught at an institution, and self-taught music. How music is experienced differs
from person to person. Music being taught in school can be very limited, in terms
of following a curriculum. Its primarily classical and it teaches students to
analyze music composed from a certain time period. In regard to instruments, it
focuses on orchestral pieces, making the use of guitars, and some other
instruments, limited. Out-of-school music is more personal, rather than just
following a curriculum.
Music touches everyone in his or her personal way; there is no right or wrong way
to teach it. Kraus is very agreeable when it comes to the tipping point of music
education. Music being taught in a formal institution may seem strict and limited.
As a music education student, I found this article somewhat discouraging because
he mentions that the future for music educators is not very bright. However, I
would disagree because there are many thriving music schools giving this world
many successful musicians. Its in the hands of the passionate musicians to
continue to make small changes, that it can accumulate and make a big impression
and change the publics perspective on music education. Educating music is highly
important, it should be seen with great respect and value.