Music Education Philosophy Statement

First and foremost, music is an essential element to the human experience.

Music is language that gives voice across cultural barriers, across barriers
within ourselves, and is an irreplaceable fragment of the soul and human
existence. Music education is not to be argued as a catalyst for other
disciplines but rather applied for the sake of itself. Music is a fun and engaging
experience. If students are no longer experiencing music in the light of
creativity, expressing oneself, and holding joy then it is the job of the music
educator to refine, develop, and cultivate their pedagogy.

Music education, as is the case with most disciplines, is about who one
teaches, not what one will teach. Information and experiences presented in the
classroom provide a diverse and challenging face to students so that they may
explore their inner understanding of the relationship between themselves and
the outside world. Music is a vehicle which may travel beyond human
understanding and allow for one to cultivate their identity and navigate all of
lifes experiences.

It is the duty of music educators to provide a wide range of experiences

necessary for students whom will all have varying musical goals and outlooks.
A student wishing to experience more musical exposure and have an enriching
experience will have that opportunity. A student wishing to pursue music in
later stages of academia will also feel they had a musical experience that
equipped them and prepared them for their journey. Students are to be praised
and assessed based on interest, participation, and application.

The environment in which music is created is equally as important to the

music itself. A safe, nurturing, and flourishing environment is essential and
necessary in order to provide a positive musical experience to students.
Students will be able to healthily express themselves and not be afraid of what
others may perceive as failure. Opportunities are to be boundless and curricula
never stagnant.

Music education is a timeless experience. Teachers are responsible for

equipping students with the tools necessary to grow in, with, and around
music for the rest of their lives. The act of giving students the ability to
understand and speak the language of music is a gift that cannot be
reciprocated. It is the next closest thing to love in this existence.
Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on
up until you die. Paul Simon