Hannah Nyce

Philosophy of Music Education

Education is a right and is required in every society in order for it to function. A person who
receives education in any form improves their thought processes, brain function, and self-esteem.
“The primary aim of education is not to enable students to do well in school, but to help them do well
in the lives they lead outside of school” (Eisner, 2004). Education should be received by every
individual so that they all can live a life to their fullest potential.
Educators have a unique opportunity to influence the daily life of every student that they
interact with. As an educator, my role is to create a welcoming, safe, and efficient learning
environment. The role of a teacher is to implement opportunities for every student to learn and
improve as well as to be a positive example for students to emulate. “Awareness, self-reflection, and
motivation to improve are the keys to continued development, success, and efficacy in the profession
of music education” (Murray, 2016). A music educator is a lifelong learner and the prime example of
the qualities encouraged in their students. An Educator’s role is to consistently encourage students to
strive for higher goals.
The art of music provides opportunities for people of all backgrounds and levels of
accomplishment to learn and achieve. Music is a craft that enables every person to have a purpose
and sense of self-worth. People from all walks of life enjoy music in some form. Many people devote
their lives to it. A music educator provides students with the opportunity to be involved in an academic
discipline that is both creative and enriching for the body and mind. The music educator serves as a
direct connection between the students and achievement in music.
All people should have the opportunity to enrich their lives with music, and the earlier they start
the better it is for them in the long run. It is so important that everyone gets a chance to discover the
joy of music, especially those who may not get the opportunity outside of school. Formal music
education should last at least a couple years, but all people can continue being involved in music
throughout their lives. Many adults join community bands or choirs and take lessons just like any child
or teenager. Music is not a one and done, there is always something to improve upon and learn from.
“The American public school is responsible not only for educating citizens to develop and maintain a
democratic society but also for engendering in individuals the desire to continue their education
throughout their lives” (Tyler, 1994). The art of music encourages all who involve themselves in it to
be lifelong learners.
Musicians often have a high level of intelligence both in factual knowledge and common sense.
Music teaches a person to have patience, confidence, and discipline, as well as to think quickly and
creatively. Making music also builds a higher level of self-awareness. Students learn to use their
bodies and voices in a new way to communicate ideas and emotions. Learning a musical instrument
gives students a source of enjoyment that will last their whole life long. Wherever they go, there will
always be music that they can connect to and feel at home.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
~Plato
Eisner, E. W. (2004). Preparing for today and tomorrow. Educational Leadership 61, no. 4: 6-10.

Murray, B. C. (2016). Developing a Personal Philosophy of Music Education. Choral Journal, April

2016. http://acda.org/files/choral_journals/MurrayApr16.pdf

Tyler, R. W. (1994). Why do we have public schools in america? In Goodlad, J. I. (Ed.), What Schools

Are For, 2nd ed., (pp. vii-viii). Bloomington, IN: Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation.