Introduction: What is Music?

Music is a universal language and is a basic part of everyday life. I believe it encourages us to grow physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually. I think studying music can encourage students to change studying habits, increase confidence, and improve skills which can lead to outstanding academic performances in school.

Why Music Should Be in Public Schools

“Not everyone who is taught how to read and write can become a Shakespeare or a Robert Frost. But schools still attempt to teach all students to read and write well. Not everyone who is taught math can become Albert Einstein. But schools still attempt to teach everyone to do math well. Not everyone who is taught music can become a Mozart or a Jessye Norman. Nevertheless, all schools should attempt to teach all students to make and listen from music well”

Elliot, 1995, p. 236

The quote above expresses why I feel that music should be taught in all schools. I strongly believe that all students should have the chance to experience what it feels like to be in a music classroom. Teaching music is not about producing a musical prodigy, it is about giving every child the opportunity to experience the joy that music brings. I believe that through music, students are taught life lessons, such as patience and teamwork. Creating music teaches teamwork and requires students to use ear training skills to listen to each other. For old students, it provides opportunities for leadership. There are many more skills that are taught through music, and these skills can be applied to the real world. Thes life lessons learned in music class will make them better smarter citizens. In turn, they become productive members of society.

How Do I Teach?

As my teacher says, “You are what you ‘repeat'”, therefore, I believe repetition is the best way that humans learn. For example, learning an instrument can be extremely difficult for beginning students. In my classroom, I will encourage students to diagnose the problems in a particular phrase of music, then once they correct it, I will have them repeat the phrase to perfect it for consistency In other words, practice does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. As the students improve, they do not need to think consciously about the skill, freeing up room in their minds to learn new concepts. Of course, this requires a lot of patience, but it is very rewarding for both the students and myself to know what they fully understand the material.

Conclusion: Why I Want to Teach

As a music educator, I want to educate and prepare my student to become productive members of society. Through music, I will engage my students in musical activities that develop their creative, cooperative, and critical thinking skills. I will also teach my students different music and other cultures around the world. By teaching music from diverse backgrounds, I will be able to help shape students into well-rounded individuals.