Professional Documents
Culture Documents
06-04-2011
I believe that music is a universal activity. We are born into a musical world and interact
with it in individual ways. Music is a vehicle of history and culture. It opens our eyes to the
ways of the ancient church and the courts of kings; it takes us to the streets of Vienna and the
dances of the Zuni tribes. Music enables us to communicate the past, the present and gives us a
voice for the future. Singing is one of the most natural forms of music on earth and should be
fostered at all levels. Through the use of instruments and song, we are better enabled us to
I believe every child is born a singer and should also have the opportunity to play
instruments throughout their education. Children who are exposed and nurtured in their
participation with music can enjoy and feel passion for music at a very early age. This is one of
the reasons why I feel music education is vital to the lifelong learner. Music gives students the
opportunity to be expressive and creative in ways that are not possible in other classrooms.
Music provides students with sounds and movements that are extremely beneficial to their
development. Music can and should be taught as a meaningful discipline that only grows with
time.
I believe all children in schools should be allowed to participate in the music classroom
with students of varying abilities. Children should not be excluded from the music classroom
and interaction with peers because of a mental or physical handicap. I believe strongly it is the
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music educator's responsibility to provide all types of children with an education that is
accessible and meaningful. Educators should strive to meet and accommodate for the special
I believe that diversity of repertoire is vital to a successful and rounded experience in the
music classroom. Selections of music should come from different time periods, places and
genres. Taught music should not be restricted to only that which can be found in a music history
book. Choral educators should strive to find music that will educate students about their own
experience and the lives of those around the globe. I believe a balance between traditional and
contemporary approaches to repertoire selection will provide the best of both worlds. Classical
and popular music teaches important musical concepts and can invigorate students to further
I believe that performing is one of the pure joys of music making. Performing gives
students a chance to show themselves, friends, and family what they have been working toward.
I believe that performing music is vital to the survival of musical traditions. Performing should
be an outlet of music education but not the goal. While success and achievement onstage and in
competitions are great motivators, I believe they should not prohibit but coincide with a