By definition, music education is the teaching and sharing of the gift of music with others. Music incorporates many learning domains and has the ability to reach a diverse cross-section of students. The skills a student develops while being in music class include: fine-motor skills, willingness to receive, share and internalize information, and the tenacity needed for the pursuit of knowledge. Music can be used to develop these skills in the subject area alone, but also can be a platform for students to connect to other subjects. Music education, when held to the highest standard, exemplifies what every classroom should be. Music is often the underdog in many schools districts, fighting for adequate funding and recognition. With such a positive outcome for students, one can only argue that music should be an integral aspect of every student’s day.
Music teaches discipline, respect and cooperation. Music can be defined as a cross-curricular subject, teaching concepts that can be used in many other classrooms. Students should be given the chance to learn how to express themselves through music, understand basic theory, develop basic singing and instrumental skills and become an overall musician. My program provides all of these opportunities to each individual. Students who are considering music as a career are given the opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of theory and repertoire, and are held accountable for their performance to a high standard. My music program is open to all students. Those who are more advanced are given the opportunity to take private lessons, or are given alternate assignments in order to challenge their abilities. Students with a lower aptitude in music are given the chance to grow through private lessons or alternate assignments that better fit their abilities. This will ultimately push students to a higher standard. I believe that every student should be given the opportunity to express him or herself and use music as a platform for better academic success.
General Music in particular is crucial. Students who do not show an initial interest in music and miss their chance to play an instrument are usually left out. General music, particularly at the middle school and high school levels, provides these students with a second chance. If their musical interests have changed, or they were not given an initial opportunity due to other factors, then general music provides students with a critical and essential opportunity to participate in this potentially life changing endeavor.
Since teaching Music Technology at Barnstable High School, I have been blessed with music as the core subject, but to also have technology be a powerful tool and an alternate avenue of success for my students. Technology is a way of life for today’s students. They are the first generation born and raised with computer technology. Classrooms, therefore, are currently seeking to incorporate technology to enhance the student learning experience. In schools across the country, the importance of music technology is growing, especially for secondary education students. This growth is driven by the students’ tremendous interest in both technology and the music it produces. Therefore, due to its growth and possibilities, I believe Music Technology is the future of General Music.
One aspect of great teaching is the ability to connect students’ everyday lives with the lessons being taught in the classroom. As our students become more involved and proficient in technology, teachers are given an opportunity to build and expand upon this platform. Ignoring this is not only a missed opportunity but can also be detrimental to student learning. As a music teacher, I am given countless opportunities to expand student learning using this platform. This is true not only with my Music Technology class but also with all music classes, such as Concert Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Guitar, Theory, Music Appreciation and General Music. As a music teacher, I hold a deep belief that every student should be given the opportunity for a world-class music education; this includes utilizing technology skills that they have already developed.
Overall, I hold my students accountable to their highest ability and strive to make music an integral part of their lives. Music education is critical in a student’s development and academic studies. It showcases various skills and gives students multiple opportunities to demonstrate those skills. Studies show that if a student struggles with attending school, they only need one class to give them enough motivation to attend school. Music can be the platform for a struggling student to stand on and create a brighter overall future. This might never happen if the student were never given the opportunity to take a music class. Music can also be a student’s dream, their ticket to a fruitful career and life. Music education can be the factor that changes a student’s life and is a powerful force for good in the school curriculum.