“Life without playing music is inconceivable for me. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in life out of music.” – Albert Einstein
Music and its surrounding fields of study have made an indelible mark on humanity and culture over many millennia. It provides a complex language of expression to communicate deep, often non-verbal emotions and cultural values. Indirectly, it has become a chronicle of cultural aesthetics, philosophical change, and sociopolitical sentiment over time. Learning music teaches you about other people, places, times, and ideas, and it is inherently interesting and beautiful as a part of our humanity. The earliest people were creating and playing musical instruments, just as we breathe, walk, and talk. Musical experience in all aspects of life are inseparable from life itself, therefore being forever intertwined with all possible forms of human experience. For many, music develops into a language of daily thought, pleasure, happiness, encouragement, excitement, wonderment, and mourning. It brings children and adults of many cultures and ages together in the creation of something much greater than the individual. The musical arts not only reinforce academic subjects (e.g., mathematics, science, history, and foreign language), but also rhetoric, narrative, cultural understanding, self-expression, and the ability to recognize artistic beauty.
According to Langer, not every cognitive experience can be explained through the limiting and constraining form of language, and is therefore missing the ability to communicate a universal and total “truth.” Music provides a space of creativity to communicate through sound itself, without definition, without the typical “right-or-wrong” logic that fills our knowledge. It can lead to fantastic, human experiences that intertwine our realities (without words)! Music and its symbolism discloses subtle patterns, qualities, and ranges of sentient experience that otherwise elude us, helping us more fully realize our uniquely human potential.
Positive character traits like cooperation, trust, teamwork, confidence, work ethic, critical thinking, responsibility, self-discipline, motivation, confidence, social skills, respect, integrity, and creativity are all encouraged in the creation of music. Countless individuals (myself included) form lifelong relationships through music. For these reasons, pursuing music education has become my life’s work, and it is my hope to spread the educational fulfilment, personal and community well-being, and positive transformation I’ve experienced through this unique art form. Nothing can replace the excitement and deep sense of communication that music can bring.
Furthermore, my music students develop a sensitivity to appreciate and develop artistry, and become a patron of the arts around them. The music classroom provides a space for social exploration and an opportunity to learn with people in the community. (A), To form a team of like-minded musicians that fosters growth and creativity for us all; (b) to develop work ethic and social skills, and to share music with people outside of your family; (c) to learn about and meet people of all kinds, their musical and extramusical preferences, and (d) using these ideas to incorporate all they have learned into their own lives. While the main focus of my instruction is based in Western art music, and we may all work on the same instrumental music goals in band class, music is a never-ending art form that extends way past school band, the classroom, and any one style of music. Students will leave the music classroom with strong music literacy skills (being able to read and perform sheet music), performance capacity (learning and performing songs on an instrument, both solo and with others), a developed musical ear, and the ability to articulate vocabulary that discusses music critically. These skills will transfer to all areas of their life, and any style of music they wish to learn more about. Detailed planning of the curriculum, teaching methodologies (pedagogy), assessment strategies, lesson plans, and fundamental exercises allows students to reach their individual highest potential and provide feedback for improvement. Music should always be a positive, social, and fun experience for all ages, and this remains the focus of my teaching philosophy!
Click to read an article on the power of music published by the famous Soviet composer, Dmitri Shostakovich:
The Power of Music by Dmitri Shostakovich
MY GOALS FOR ALL YOUNG MUSICIANS:
- To gain a wide appreciation for music, both listening and performing.
- To develop music literacy – the ability to comfortably read sheet music on their instrument (and voice!). Just like English class–you must read AND speak!
- To confidently perform music on their instruments for friends, family, mentors, and the community.
- To find one’s own voice, both socially and musically–everyone has a unique sound and something to say!
- To train a discerning ear and to be able to articulate academic vocabulary that describes music.
- To continue musical studies past middle school–there are so many opportunities not only in high school, but around the world. My job is to prepare you for that!
- To learn teamwork – working with peers, earning respect, and showing integrity as a member of the team.
- To derive a sense of self-worth and empathy for others through creative music-making.
- To develop an understanding of how the habits that lead to high quality music-making parallel the habits of highly successful people – motivation, dedication, self-discipline.
PATH OF THE ARTIST – Allan McMurray
- Participant: Enjoys getting together with friends, works to learn music in rehearsal, good section member.
- Player: Loves to perform. If their part is good, the piece is good. Wants to play often and practices on range and technique. Likes solos.
- Musician: Arrives at rehearsal with part mastered. Loves the collaboration of rehearsal. Comes to rehearsal to learn everyone else’s part. Enjoys listening as much as playing.
- Artist: Player+Musician+Creator. Departs each rehearsal with new goals. Brings expression and inspiration to everyone around them. Is in pursuit of the most beautiful performance possible. Loves music because it fuels their soul.
….WHICH ONE ARE YOU?
Wikipedia Article on Music Education: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_education
Click here for more information and evidence on why music is a gateway to success: