Everyone has their own personal philosophy about music education; however, I believe that most people agree on the purpose of music education. The purpose of music education is to share a form of expression. This form of expression becomes an outlet to many students who may have not had one before. Additionally, music is universally found in different cultures. By studying music, students learn can learn about cultures from all around the world. Learning about and how to play these pieces improves intellect as well as motor skills; however, this cannot happen unless teachers and students play their proper roles.

                The role of the student in music education is primarily to be engaged. Students should do their best to focus during class as to intake as much information as possible. Students should practice frequently at home. This will help them stay engaged because they will be less likely to fall behind with their playing. Lastly, students should have fun! Students should enjoy being in the music classroom. If something is making them dislike partaking in music, students will hopefully feel comfortable enough to let their teacher know so that they can help.

                The role of the teacher in music education is to be engaging. Students will not learn as much is the class is not interesting to them. Teachers should reinforce that music is not just what is on the page. This will help to set up their students to be able to create their own music. The students’ musical interests outside of the classroom can be incorporated into music history lessons. Teachers can relate the lessons to those interests as well as history lessons going on outside of the classroom.

                Teachers should also be active in the community. Outside of the classroom, teachers should advocate for music education. This can be done by giving performances. Teachers can also attend school board meetings to discuss funding for their programs. An example of this is when Dr. Owens took one of his students with him to a school board meeting to have his student play some of the old, smelly instruments. This showed the school board the bad conditions the students were being forced to deal with while as encouraging parents to speak up as well. Results ended with Dr. Owens program receiving more funds to repair and replace instruments.

                In conclusion, music education is vital to a student’s education because it increases their cultural knowledge, gives them a new form of expression, and improves intellect and physical abilities. Students should be engaged with their teacher and have fun. Teachers should engage their students and advocate for their classroom in the community.