Hannah Contardi

9/14/2020
Sarrazin; Chapter 2 Summary

The term “Music” is not easy to define, as it has changed drastically throughout time and

has a different meaning to various cultures. Many cultures are so influenced by music in their

daily lives that they do not have a term to describe it as a whole, having no need to divide the

relationship between life and music. Due to these diversities, what we may label as music may

not be thought of in the same way to other cultures. Along with the basic definition of “music”, it

is important to understand that we make music both physically and mentally. In this sense, it is a

form of communication that sometimes requires deep and focused thought. 

Having a shared understanding of what the basic elements of music are is essential to

teaching them. These basic elements include sound, melody, harmony, rhythm, texture,

structure/form, and expression. These elements are incredibly significant in how kids react to

music, especially through the timbre. Often times, children will physically respond to the

expressive movements they are hearing in the music through body movements. Knowing basic

concepts to use while teaching music is just as important as understanding the music itself.

These are often represented through two opposite concepts, such as “fast or slow” and “high or

low”. Teachers who learn these principles are generally more confident in implementing music

into their classrooms. 

Teaching children how to read notation in a fun and interactive way can help them

remember what they are learning. Concepts such as pitch, rhythm, meter, dynamics, scales,

and tempo can be taught in simple ways for children to understand. Technology and the internet

provide resources to assist in educating on these subjects. Another tool that is important to

utilize is the keyboard, which requires a basic understanding of keyboard skills. 

Music education came about in the 18th century when tune books were created to help

congregations sing during church. These books were then used to form singing schools in

England. Johann H. Pestalozzi, also known as the father of modern education, implemented

ideas about proper education that was child-centered and focused on hands-on experiences. By
Hannah Contardi
9/14/2020
the 19th century, Pestalozzi’s ideas would influence proper teacher training and the opening of

“normal schools”. Lowell Mason was inspired by Pestalozzi and used his ideas to make a

difference in education at singing schools during this time. He also created “shape-note

singing”, which brought focus to the melody and devalued the presence of harmony. By the

early-mid 1800s, the importance of music in general education increased. As it continued to

grow and change, the arts broke into specialties within schools, and the role of “music teacher”

was formed by the early 20th century. Music education has taken great strides and has a rich

history that is important to understand when discussing its current state, as well as how it can

be improved.