PHILOSOPHY
"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music."
~ Billy Joel
Every individual is impacted by music. Whether listening to a car radio, singing in a religious service, or simply humming a tune in the shower, it is essential to human life. No one can say that he or she has never been affected by some sort of music. It is something that we come in contact with each and every day. Therefore, music education should be a required component of every child's school curriculum.
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner developed a theory of “multiple intelligences” – spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical. Music, in some way, possesses all of these. Consequently, it demands a high level of thinking and requires many brain processes. Since all areas of the brain are stimulated, music learning is accessible for all types of learners.
Music exists in every culture. Even though traditions may vary, the concept of music is constant and is a connecting bond for humanity. Through experiencing other types of music, one can understand and gain appreciation for his fellow man. Through listening and observing, we can discover culture, heritage, legacy, meaning, and purpose.
Music also evokes the power of creativity and self-expression. For some, musical sounds are the only ones which fully define true emotions. Composing and critical listening skills allow for creativity and musical interpretations that are unique to the individual. With music, there is usually not one right answer or explanation.
For all of these reasons, music education must be offered to children. They deserve musical awareness and an intelligent musical vocabulary. Children naturally thirst for knowledge, absorbing facts like sponges. Therefore, we must nurture their musical development from an early age. Basic musical skills must be introduced and practiced in early childhood and refined along the way. The best tool that we can give children is the ability and opportunity to sing and utilize their voices. It is a form of expression, communication, and pleasure that we owe to them.
General music history and appreciation are essential elements of a music curriculum as well. Experiencing different musical genres and learning to listen to and to tolerate all types of music and self-expression is critical. This also reinforces the life skills of acceptance and respect. Also, knowing musically where we came from and where we are going provides insight into our cultural development and awareness.
Music also relates to many other areas of schooling. A poem written for English class can be used in music class as the lyrics for a ballad. Students can compose a short tune to remember vocabulary words for science or a formula for math. History can be explored through listening to songs sung about or in response to significant and momentous events.
Life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, independence, and kindness can also be developed in the music classroom. These skills can be sharpened through student leadership positions, listening skills, and discussions on issues like constructive criticism and being a good audience member.
Music education can provide many necessary skills for children, and it is only fair that they experience this unique and limitless subject during their formative years.
Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner developed a theory of “multiple intelligences” – spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical. Music, in some way, possesses all of these. Consequently, it demands a high level of thinking and requires many brain processes. Since all areas of the brain are stimulated, music learning is accessible for all types of learners.
Music exists in every culture. Even though traditions may vary, the concept of music is constant and is a connecting bond for humanity. Through experiencing other types of music, one can understand and gain appreciation for his fellow man. Through listening and observing, we can discover culture, heritage, legacy, meaning, and purpose.
Music also evokes the power of creativity and self-expression. For some, musical sounds are the only ones which fully define true emotions. Composing and critical listening skills allow for creativity and musical interpretations that are unique to the individual. With music, there is usually not one right answer or explanation.
For all of these reasons, music education must be offered to children. They deserve musical awareness and an intelligent musical vocabulary. Children naturally thirst for knowledge, absorbing facts like sponges. Therefore, we must nurture their musical development from an early age. Basic musical skills must be introduced and practiced in early childhood and refined along the way. The best tool that we can give children is the ability and opportunity to sing and utilize their voices. It is a form of expression, communication, and pleasure that we owe to them.
General music history and appreciation are essential elements of a music curriculum as well. Experiencing different musical genres and learning to listen to and to tolerate all types of music and self-expression is critical. This also reinforces the life skills of acceptance and respect. Also, knowing musically where we came from and where we are going provides insight into our cultural development and awareness.
Music also relates to many other areas of schooling. A poem written for English class can be used in music class as the lyrics for a ballad. Students can compose a short tune to remember vocabulary words for science or a formula for math. History can be explored through listening to songs sung about or in response to significant and momentous events.
Life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, independence, and kindness can also be developed in the music classroom. These skills can be sharpened through student leadership positions, listening skills, and discussions on issues like constructive criticism and being a good audience member.
Music education can provide many necessary skills for children, and it is only fair that they experience this unique and limitless subject during their formative years.