Philosophy of Music Education I have experienced first-hand the power of music and the impact it can have on the

lives that allow it to change them. Most can relate to a specific piece causing goose bumps or lyrics to a certain song causing us to stop and think. Although these are both very powerful experiences that do cause small fractions of change each time one occurs, music can have so much greater of an impact. As a music educator, I feel it is so important to nurture a child in music so profound change can occur. This change can alter lives and relationships. It has the capability of making us stronger and more self-sufficient. This change is why music and music education is so very important. Music affects change! There are several facets in which this profound change can show itself. Cognitive development, cultural development, social and emotional growth, as well as the unifying effect music can all communicate this change. Numerous studies have been conducted and show that music does a significant amount to help many cognitive areas of learning. A Stanford school of Medicine study tested the effects of music and its effect on alertness. The research team showed that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions and updating the event in memory (Baker, 2007). Another study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience compiled the findings of researchers all over the world and concluded that music musical training has a profound impact on other skills including speech, language, attention, memory, and even the ability to convey emotions and express oneself vocally. The Northwestern scientists found that the playing or singing, as well as listening to music create new neural connection. These connections helps prime the brain for various forms of human communication. Their studies also found that working with musical sounds on regular bases enhances the brains ability to adapt and change, known as neuroplasticity. The study goes on to state that musicians find it easier to incorporate sound patterns from a new language into words as well as more easily comprehend speech in a noisy background. Furthermore, children in music lessons tend to have larger vocabularies as well as higher reading skills compared to children who have had no musical training. (Baker, 2010) Because music involves the constant skill of subdivision, as well as addition and fraction work, math is an easy educational parallel to draw as well. As is made clear, music is very beneficial to the development of the human mind. Therefore, music can be advocated simply by all of its cognitive benefits. It is made quite clear that the study of music changes the way we evaluate and problem solve. From a cultural standpoint, many different races and ethnicities use music in their expression of self as well as a window into their specific cultures, all of which students are exposed to by listening to and performing the various cultures repertoire. Foreign language is also incorporated. Dynamic and tempo markings stem from Latin, French, and Italian language and words they use, as well as the diction of many vocal arias from Operas of various languages such as French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Exposing children to these various languages also exposes them to the cultures themselves which often times causes a greater appreciation for ones own culture as well as the cultures of the world in which we live. Music allows us to change the way we see the world around us by better understanding its uniqueness and diversity and coming to better appreciate ourselves as well as those that differ from us through this understanding.

As much as music aids in cognitive development and cultural exposure, it also aids in the development of personality and the well-roundedness of those who study it. Music demands discipline and self-motivation. From making extra rehearsals, leading your section, getting the adequate amount of practice time in each day, or working up difficult parts in concert repertoire, all of these, and many more, activities require much self-discipline, self-motivation, and most importantly, self-respect. Students must take pride in themselves and the music they are making in order to reach the highest level of musicianship. This pride builds confidence and shapes our young people into well-rounded, responsible adults. Music also makes a student self-aware and able to set realistic, attainable goals, a valuable asset to possess in future endeavors whether they pursue music or another career path. The hard work it takes to perfect ones musical craft also translates into a fierce work ethic. Music also creates and helps nurture excellent leadership skills. Students are place in various leadership roles when elected onto Band Councils, chosen as section leaders, selected to be Drum Major, or Student assistant. Music produces some of our most successful, productive, and responsible people. Among so many other benefits, music is also a uniting institution. We have seen churches and communities rally around their respected music programs. Football stadiums are packed on homecoming to see the Marching band march. Basketball and other indoor sporting events are more lively and prideful when you hear the pep band playing throughout. Proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings look with wonder and pride in their eyes as they watch their loved one perform in concerts and other musical events throughout the school year. Communities are made more unified when the band is active in the community. Parents become friends in band boosters, children become each others confidents and best companions when they attend band or choir together. Music is the universal language and truly speaks to all of us in some way which also has a big hand in uniting us and allow for a greater understanding for each other. We dont need to look too hard or search too thoroughly to realize all of the benefits that music offers to those that take an active role in it. The profound change I mentioned comes in many forms that affect us mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. It helps us grow sounder in mind as well as in our understanding. It readies us for adulthood and builds skills valuable for a well-rounded being. I have been fortunate enough for music to change me. It broadens my views, enhances my understanding of myself as well as the world around me. Music took an active role in changing my life for the good and I want to continue to allow music to change every human heart as it did my own. That is why I choose to be a music educator.

Bibliography Baker, Mitzi. "Music moves brain to pay attention, Stanford study finds." Stanford School of Medicine. N.p., 01 Aug 2007. Web. 23 Feb 2013. (Baker, 2007) Baker, S.L.. "Music benefits the Brain, research reveals."Natural News. N.p., 30 Jul 2010. Web. 23 Feb 2013. (Baker, 2007)