Robert Hutson

Professor: Dr. Veblen

Music 1800
November 22, 2015

Annotated Bibliography: Freeing Music Education from Schooling:

Toward a Lifespan Perspective on Music Learning and Teaching by,
David E. Myers
In the article (Freeing Music Education from Schooling: Toward a
Lifespan Perspective on Music Learning and Teaching) Myers presents
what is in my opinion a goal that we as educates should strive towards,
and that is (as the title gives away) inspire life long learning, inspiring
students to continue to be contributors, avid and aware consumers and
supporters. Through the article Myers brings to light the point that as
a society we encourage music education in schools; Myers uses the
Americans for the Arts survey as evidence, which states that 90
percent of parents believe the arts are important in preparing students
for the future and that they should be part of a well-rounded
education. Myers goes on to say however, what is not clear is
whether people perceive tangible links between school arts
experiences and the lasting intrinsic values of arts education. What
Myers is stating that we (as a society) will encourage students to
peruse music education while in school, but beyond that the value of a

music education is lessened greatly. Even though Myers is writing this

article from an American viewpoint I still think this article and its
message is very relevant in our own education system here in Canada.
Myers uses a quote by Edgar Gordon (who taught at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison) who said It too frequently happens that boys and
girls who are valuable members of high-school musical organizations
make little or no use of their music outside of school. This quotes
resonated with me as I remember back to my high schools music
night, and thinking online the lines of Gordon, that this is most likely
the last time they will play. This is why we should encourage outreach
and community music programs, otherwise for many music-making
ends after they graduate high school, even elementary school. Which
Myers focus on later in his article, and the benefits on continued music
education and why it should be offered. Music should be offered to
adults both for instrumental purposes, to satisfy psychological,
religious, and vocational needs, and for expressive purposes, to help
each individual find means for self-realization, either as creator or as
participant audience. (Choate, 1968, p. 115). Also makes note of the
MENC produced a position paper on adult and continuing music
education. This paper listed self-realization, human relations, and
enrichment of family life, sustaining and improving health, and
improvement of occupational competence as objectives. It is shown
through Myers article that further music education does not just

enhance ones music life but many other aspects. Again just some
more of many reasons why we should continue to promote outreach
and community music programs so music does not just become the
background soundtrack to our lives.

Myers,D.(2007).Freeingmusiceducationfromschooling:Towardsalifespan
perspectiveonmusicteachingandlearning.InternationalJournalofCommunityMusic
1(1):4961.