Music Education: A Much Needed and Important Discipline

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Music Education: A Much Needed and Important Discipline

"A nation that allows music to be expendable is in danger of becoming expendable itself," said Richard Dreyfuss during the Grammy Awards broadcast on the 28th of February (National Coalition for music Education 14). This is a very interesting statement because it involves something that is related to everyone -- school curriculum. When school budgets have to be cut, the music classes are usually the first ones to be removed. Ironically, music is one of the most important areas of study because of its positive effects on students' creativity, learning and growth, and everyday life. Since music education has such an important impact on students' academic and personal growth, it should not be removed from students' learning curriculum.

The first important aspect of music is the amount of creativity and originality it brings out in students. Music has a way of letting everyone express themselves personally, with others, and even for others. Personal expression through music is such a beautiful experience, and yet it happens so naturally. As John Dewey wrote, "In great art, there is no limit set to the individualization..." (204). Experiencing music with others is another magnificent way of expression, but the opportunities must be there for it to happen. Also, expression in music for others is related to this because it can be done alone or with others. Learning about music is beneficial, because it lets students learn about themselves as they learn about music. Students learn to work together, to use teamwork, and to take responsibility. According to Music Educators Journal, Jacquelyn Dillon-Krass, president of the American String Teachers Association, said in an inter...

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... environment for acquiring the skills needed for creative living. Creativity is latent in the human at birth. The environment of the child can stimulate or suppress its development. It is the school's responsibility to establish an environment that encourages creativity and provides outlets for it" (46).

Works Cited

Dewey, John. Art as Experience. New York: John Dewey, 1934.

Dillon-Krass, Jacquelyn. Interview. "Music is Key." Music Educators Journal March 1996:8-14.

Irwin, Bear. Interview. "Members Speak Out." Teaching Music. April 1996: 76.

Oue, Eiji. "Giving Kids a Classical Choice." Teaching Music February 1996: 44-46.

Mark, Michael L. Contemporary Music Education. New York: Shirmer, 1978.

National Coalition for Music Education, The. "Dreyfuss Defends School Music at Grammy Awards." Music Educators Journal May 1996: 14-15.

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