Kateri
Swavely
Philosophy
of Music Education
A music education is for everyone. Even the non-musician will still be
surrounded by music every day, be it the music they choose to listen to in the
car, the pop music in the department stories in the mall, or the Classical
music on the stereo in the restaurant. A
music education gives them an understanding and appreciation for this integral
part of their culture. Music is also an
easily-accessed form of self-expression.
A music class brings out a student’s individuality more readily than a
math or science class, where everyone is often expected to do the same problems
and arrive at the same answers.
A music educator has many different
roles in relation to his or her students.
Often the music educator is a teacher, disciplinarian, coach, counselor,
confidant, role model. The music educator
guides the student in learning not only music, but discipline, commitment, and
social skills. The list goes on.
In today’s society, with the emphasis on
reading, writing, and arithmetic, a music education often gets brushed to the
side. But the importance is not to be
underestimated. Students have the right
to learn individuality, commitment, and all the rest of the skills listed
above, and many more. The value of a music education cannot be dismissed, and
must continue to be a part of students’ life today and in the years to come.
Contact information:
Email: kms004@lvc.edu
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