Garrett Kheshtinejad May 2nd, 2013 Critical Pedagogy 1 Philosophy Paper-Final Draft Why Should Music Be Taught In Schools?

Music has the ability to change lives. It is those elite beginner band programs and elementary music teachers that inspire students whether it is through passing on values and beliefs, or teaching them about things that happened in the past. Through singing and music, I learned how to work with others to achieve a common goal. I also gained knowledge, responsibility, and independence. Music promotes these values; furthermore, it promotes creativity and gives people a voice that they otherwise would have never had. Students in music classes are learning skills that will only make them more successful and grounded over the span of their lives. While there are many positives that come from music education, there are a numerous amount of flaws. Music teachers often use out dated methods which do not engage students in the classroom. The age barrier among students and teachers in music makes it hard for older generations to relate to the younger ones. Technological innovations have revolutionized music education. In a world where students are listening to most of their music on an iPod and on the Internet, it is important for teachers to embrace this and include it in their music curriculum. Regardless of many different perspectives in music education, students learn to work with others in a very personal way. Edwin Gordon once stated, the fact is, music aptitude is something were born with; its an innate capacity, and unless its

nurtured at an early age, by age nine nuturing will no longer help. If this is something we are born with, I agree with Gordon in that we should develop it and use it to our advantage whether we go into music or not in the future. Music and fine arts programs empower students to be independent and give them responsibility. Unfortunately many educators as well as parents do not express the same love for music in schools as I do. When I was a boy growing up, I faced many obstacles. As I started doing music, it was something I could turn to for strength. My high school choir teacher gave me responsibilities in his program that have contributed too much of my success. We should make music a priority and accessible to everyone who wants to learn. We as future music educators must learn to instill knowledge in our students that will propel them into a life of prosperity and growth. Bono said it best in that Music can change the world because it can change people. It starts in the classroom- teaching students and connecting with one another through music.