Broderick Lemke

EDUC 317

Philosophy of General Music in the Elementary School

Music does not exist in a void by itself. In order for music to exist, there must be both creators

and consumers of music. As such, students need to be prepared to actively participate in both sides of

this musical exchange. Some students only exposure to musical performance is because of a general

music class. It is the teachers role to provide opportunities for performance for all students to attain at

least a minimal amount of performance experience. This limited possibility of future performance,

however, is a key reason that students should be educated about their musical consumption, regardless

of whether or not they perform in the future. Students will continue to listen to and critique music

throughout their lives.

Elementary concerts grow pride and empathy in performance. All students should have a format

in which they are able to publically perform. Elementary choral or recorder concerts provide an

excellent opportunity for both choral and instrumental skills. Not only does it ensure that students are

learning various musical skills, but allows for a sense of pride and accomplishment when they put on

their performance. This pride may propel them into further musical ventures. These concerts are

beneficial, even if students never perform music again. Such opportunities build empathy in students. If

they attend concerts in the future, they will understand what it is like to be up on stage, which will

encourage them to make a comfortable environment for the performers.

Listening skills groomed in the classroom create educated consumers. The general music

teacher should develop in students the ability to listen to music carefully and be able to describe it

intelligently. For example, students should understand and be able to explain dynamics, articulation and

formal aspects of music including form, melody and meter. The students should also be exposed to a

large variety of music including classical, folk songs, jazz and popular. Students may not find this music
on their own. By encouraging this exploration into new forms, students may find new styles of music

that appeal to them, allowing them to further connect to others who share similar tastes.

A safe classroom is conducive to learning. For these performance and listening skills to grow, the

classroom needs to be an environment where students can discuss music without fear. As such, the

general music teacher should take into account the diverse background of students in the classroom,

and seek to reach all children at their skill level. This will help them to improve their musical abilities.

Some students may have no musical experience, while others are talented and accomplished musicians.

The curriculum must start from the ground up. It must also offer opportunities for creativity and further

exploration for the more experienced students. An example of this would be a class composing a piece

of music with very tight constraints, and allowing more advanced students more musical freedom.

Diversity comes from home life and must be embraced. Not only do students come from varying

musical backgrounds, but the students will also come from very different home lives. The general music

teacher must understand cultural differences, and seek to adapt their curriculum to reflect them. For

example, they can plan curriculum that features composers from diverse backgrounds. They should also

include music from different cultures and explain to children how other cultures view music.

Students deserve a classroom diverse in community and curriculum. It is a general music

teachers job to not only create performers from their diverse students, but also to help them become

educated consumers of music. In order to do so they must create a safe classroom environment where

students do not just put aside their differences. Rather, they should teach their students to celebrate

them. A classroom that focuses on these points will bring forth a well-rounded musical and social

experience that will enable students to live a more enriched and musical life.