Carlos Eduardo Orta

Philosophy of Music Education

My music education philosophy is based on the discipline and beauty of expressing

feelings and ideas. Music is the medium for human expression for excellence. When we see

someone who makes music, we are not only seeing his or her practical technique aspect, but

we are also exposed to the personal development and expression of the person. I think every

person has the right to uncover the emotional and psychological/cognitive benefits of music, at

least once in their lives.

It is a great responsibility to teach and learn music. The teacher-student relation should

be based on technical discipline to then reach an extent which allows the student to experience

music in all possible benefits. The teacher should impart a positive learning environment to

come to the best conclusion possible. And after this desired outcome is reached, the teacher

should be persistent on continuing the growth of the student or students by making more music

to explore more and more horizons of ability and expression. By having a good attitude towards

the student and its study, he or she should be overwhelmed and wishful to continue his or her

musical journey. However, the discipline of the student is expected in order to achieve a good

interaction and outcome with the teacher.

The educator’s expectations should be clearly stated, and subsequently, met. The

discipline should flow from the professor to the student and vice versa. Note however, that this

does not mean a tough and un-interactive relation. Both student and professor should find a

balance of comfort to meet the wished results.

Also, the preparation of the educator should be to an extent which prepares him or her to

show the student the expressive and technical conclusions. The teacher should derive a wish

for learning and should push the student to become not only a better musician, but a better

human being. When the educator shows human attributes and moralities, the student should
aspire to become social friendly, organized, responsible, dedicated and optimistic. By

demonstrating these levels of professionalism, the teacher should become a positive impact to

the student’s development as a person.

Every person deserves the opportunity to build and experience a musical understanding.

The musical journey is to be taken regardless of religion, ethnic background, social or economic

status, or ideologies. Moreover, the musical education should encourage the understanding and

exploring of different ideas and cultures. This involvement of different perceptions embodies a

sympathetic, perceptive mind, which helps the improvement of world empathy.

The expressive means of music are pathways to the moral and spiritual growth of any

individual. If a student finds this connection to his or her emotional affiliations, a progress is

made in him or her. Every person has this medium of musical expression. If however, the

individual has not yet found this, it is because he/she has not found the correct interpretation of

his ideal musical experience yet.

Musical experience of expression should be explored by every person, and with the

right, qualified educator, this end should be in cause of discipline and technical preparation. An

enjoyable music practice is achieved when the right means are put into it. The technique and

feelings of the student go hand to hand. If a musical participation is fulfilled within the technical

aspects, but the artistic and passionate attitudes are lacking, the student’s musical growth is not

met. Similarly, when the sentimental elements are shown only, but the technical skills remain

short, the musical end remains unstable and not satisfied.

The musical journey of someone is fundamental in its technical, moral, discipline, and

artistic elements, and with the right instruction, society in general should be righteous and fair of

having this musical reality.