Philosophy of Music Education

Audrey Farrell
Philosophy of Music Education

Philosophy of Music Education
Introduction:
As a music educator, my role and purpose is to provide students with enriching
experiences and an environment that embraces them on their journey to discover their identity
and grow as a human being. Music education is vital to formal education and holds great value as
a means of self-discovery and personal development with compliant core values and a
motivation to create meaningful experiences for productive and knowledgeable members of
society with high quality of life.
Why Education:
I believe that the purpose of education is to pursue the development of knowledge, skills,
and characteristics which prepare students to live rich, quality, rewarding, and productive lives as
functioning members of society. Considering the diversity and individuality of school-age
children as well as the opportunities provided through schooling, education is vital for the
fostering and growth of not only core disciplines but cooperative social skills and a sense of
individual identity, which are incredibly influential towards one’s quality of life. Through
schooling, educators utilize the characteristics of students, intentional structures and procedures,
thoughtful content, and resources to foster environments where individuals can exercise
exploration and receive feedback for personal growth.
What Music is and Why Music Education:
Music is a unique mode of expression providing individuals with an avenue to understand
cultures, gain skills, and develop understanding of themselves and the world around them
through embracing both sound and silence. I believe that all beings have an innate aptitude for
music which can be explored and refined in a variety of imaginative ways within the classroom.
With this in mind, music education should be available and accessible to the entire
student population throughout the nation, not considered as a privilege to the capable. All styles
and origins of music have validity within the music curriculum, and the classroom environment
should be fun, exciting, and challenge students to draw connections between music and other
disciplines. The expectation of achievement for students in music education includes developing
a higher level of music literacy, a foundation of knowledge of music history and technical skills
of performance, the ability to consume music thoughtfully and with good etiquette, make
informed choices for artistic performance, articulate reasoning behind musical opinions, and
create music of their own within specified guidelines. Through adaptable activities and
discussion centered on concepts described in the National Standards, effective learning in these
areas will take place. Music classrooms should be student-centered, with the instructor being
intentional in crafting curriculum and instruction based on informed professional and musical
opinions for the benefit and meaningful experience of all students. Music educators should
provide students with regular opportunities to reflect on the results of their musicianship and that
of their peers as well as to participate in rich and challenging music-making projects that
stimulate authentic musical practices. In all circumstances, it is the responsibility of music
educators to make connections with students and facilitate instruction which challenges students
to grow as human beings and experience music and the world in a positive, meaningful way.
Connecting Music and Education:
Music specifically holds great value in education as a source of connection to human
experience, challenging students to develop many valuable skills and obtain knowledge useful
across a wide variety of areas. As Paul Lehman states in “A Personal Perspective” published in
the Music Educators Journal (2002), “The personal skills most valued in the marketplace include
creativity, flexibility, discipline, and skill in working cooperatively with others–all skills
emphasized in the arts.” Music in schools assists in the development and refinement of the innate
musicality within all beings, in turn fostering self-discovery, insight toward others and the world,
new ideas, curiosity, and more. With these ideas in mind, music education and formal education
as a whole share an essential core value of stimulating the ability to think, feel, and act based on
meaningful academic and curricular experiences, resulting in self-discovery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, music education is extremely valuable and necessary within education
considering the similarities in value and purpose for fostering growth and developing
self-discovery towards productive members of society with high quality of life. Through music
education, the aptitude for music which exists within all beings is evolved into meaningful
aesthetic experience via exposure to new cultures and ideas, challenges of skill and knowledge,
and thoughtful, cooperative, and enjoyable creation. I will always strive to facilitate learning that
is student-centered, interactive, and intentional to shape students into thoughtful beings who feel
connected to music and through music to themselves, others, and the world around them.
References
Lehman, Paul R.. “A Personal Perspective.” Music Educators Journal, Vol. 88, Issue 5, March
2002.

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Audrey Farrell

As a music educator, my role and purpose is to provide students with enriching

motivation to create meaningful experiences for productive and knowledgeable members of

society with high quality of life.

functioning members of society. Considering the diversity and individuality of school-age

exploration and receive feedback for personal growth.

What Music is and Why Music Education:

Music is a unique mode of expression providing individuals with an avenue to understand

stimulate authentic musical practices. In all circumstances, it is the responsibility of music

Connecting Music and Education:

Music specifically holds great value in education as a source of connection to human

meaningful academic and curricular experiences, resulting in self-discovery.

In conclusion, music education is extremely valuable and necessary within education

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