Philosophy of Music Education

I believe music should be part of a school’s curriculum because it allows students an outlet for their emotions and gives them a different learning environment. Students are given the opportunity to do hands-on learning, work on a task and improve their skills. Music has no limits. I believe music can break any barrier. Music is not just about the notes on a page, but more importantly about the emotion in the notes. As students work to achieve goals, they are given an opportunity not necessarily afforded in other classes, the ability to perform in front of peers, as well as family.

I believe music classrooms teach discipline. Because much of a music program is based on individual practice, students must learn to structure schedules at home or their spare time to accomplish their own musical goals or those set out by the director. Although each individual student must work hard to succeed, it is as an ensemble that the hard work pays off, which teaches the student to work with the people around them. As an educator, it is important to help each student learn this internal discipline. With determined and disciplined students, the school’s programs can be showcased to the community. The necessary time involved in a music program makes the students less likely to engage in inappropriate behavior. Instead, they will have an outlet and a support system of their peers.

I believe music evokes feelings. When words can no longer express how a person feels or what a person is thinking, music takes over. There is emotion behind every piece of music, whether it comes from the composer or from within the individual. As an educator, I should be willing to help my students feel the emotion of the music, rather than just play the notes on the page. When they feel that emotion and connect to a piece of music, the piece comes alive to the student.

I believe, and studies show, students who actively study music do better academically. When schools make budget cuts and get rid of music programs, they are doing students a huge disservice, because statistics prove that music students do better overall. Also, music is a great way for students from lower socioeconomic homes to be a part of something bigger. In the music classroom, economic status may not have to be a factor.