Music Education in Public Schools

TheBig3 · 02-01-2010, 11:39 AM

If you watched the Grammys last night, you may have seen some self-righteous suit proclaiming, amongst other things, that this should be the year we have full and total music education in our public schools.

While I'm offput that this is a priority for them, as many American public schools in the lower-income states don't have up-to-date books or qualified teachers, I wondered if education is anything we even want in public schools.

I speak as someone whos had both public school education and private lessons and in my opinion musical education in public schools is not worth it. Its basic note reading that would cost less, and be far more directed with flashcards at home, or with the practical application of an instrument in private.

The idea that teaching the general public what a staff is, even as many guitar players (America's most popular selling instrument) can't read music, and if they can't do apply it to the trade of playing guitar. (obviously its mostly tab, chords, or playing by ear).

I'm aware I'm attempting to rationalize what rich people feel poor people need, but the idea to be is unabashed bull****. So the question I'm asking is...

Do we need musical education in public schools?

**Janszoon** · 02-01-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3KilledMyRainDog

Do we need musical education in public schools?

Not really. It's great if the school can afford it but when push comes to shove there are a lot more important things to be spending money on.

Scissorman · 02-01-2010, 11:49 AM

we already have it in Public School in Serba

Alfred · 02-01-2010, 11:50 AM

I voted the middle option, but from my experience, you need a music teacher who can REALLY teach, who the kids respect. I've had a couple music teachers that were absolutely terrible. They were lazy, they didn't get anything done, and they couldn't control a class if their lives depended on it. In some places I can see where it would not be worth it, but I think that giving kids a deeper appreciation and knowledge of music is an important thing.

TheBig3 · 02-01-2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scissorman

we already have it in Public School in Serba

Alright well how do you think it works as far as getting people into music and playing is concerned?

Scissorman · 02-01-2010, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3KilledMyRainDog

Alright well how do you think it works as far as getting people into music and playing is concerned?

kids usually hate it. those who are really interested in playing go to public music schools, which are free. we have a few private music schools, but they are too expensive

TheBig3 · 02-01-2010, 02:17 PM

What kind of lazy, intellectually bankrupt, forum troll votes in a poll and doesn't make a comment? No i'm not trying to be funny, i'm seriously asking. its a discussion forum not an elevator.

**Janszoon** · 02-01-2010, 02:20 PM

What kind of lazy, intellectually bankrupt forum troll doesn't respond to the first reply to his topic?

sidewinder · 02-01-2010, 02:28 PM

I think music education is very important and should be in public schools but secondary to core subjects. However, it could use some refining from what it was when I was in school. Music education could provide an outlet for creative expression. Music is also great for the mind, so they say. Might be more for toddlers, I don't know. It also provides something kids can take a greater interest in, something maybe to look forward to when they're at school. Maybe it'll make them want to join band. I kinda wish I had joined band when I was in school. Except for the dork factor. I think music class and band need a bit of reform, making them less dorky perhaps. Give kids options, based on the kind of music they're interested in, maybe. I don't know. But yes I think music class, much like art class, are important and should be part of public school curriculums.

mr dave · 02-01-2010, 05:58 PM

i went with the 2nd option. we had a great program when i was in elementary school and supremely lucky to have a worthwhile music teacher (thank you Mr. Alain). funding ran out while i was in junior high but i wasn't able continue with music classes anyway since they had become an extra curricular program at that point.

though i doubt that a music class in school will create a new generation of music lovers that will adulate the views of the Grammys and shower them with pre-internet revenues, which is likely what that suit was really getting at.

View Poll Results: Should music education be omnipresent in public schools?
Yes, Music education should be top priority	4	15.38%
Muisc education should be in public schools, but second to actual subjects	18	69.23%
No, let any musical education be private.	4	15.38%
Voters: 26. You may not vote on this poll

02-01-2010, 11:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheBig3 killedmyraindog Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 11,172	Music Education in Public Schools If you watched the Grammys last night, you may have seen some self-righteous suit proclaiming, amongst other things, that this should be the year we have full and total music education in our public schools. While I'm offput that this is a priority for them, as many American public schools in the lower-income states don't have up-to-date books or qualified teachers, I wondered if education is anything we even want in public schools. I speak as someone whos had both public school education and private lessons and in my opinion musical education in public schools is not worth it. Its basic note reading that would cost less, and be far more directed with flashcards at home, or with the practical application of an instrument in private. The idea that teaching the general public what a staff is, even as many guitar players (America's most popular selling instrument) can't read music, and if they can't do apply it to the trade of playing guitar. (obviously its mostly tab, chords, or playing by ear). I'm aware I'm attempting to rationalize what rich people *feel* poor people need, but the idea to be is unabashed bull**. So the question I'm asking is... Do we need musical education in public schools?** __________________ I've moved to a new address

02-01-2010, 11:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Scissorman art is sold for money Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Belgrade, Serbia Posts: 730	we already have it in Public School in Serba __________________ facebook Last.fm The Music I make http://www.indabamusic.com/opportuni...missions/52856

02-01-2010, 11:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Alfred one big soul Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 5,096	I voted the middle option, but from my experience, you need a music teacher who can REALLY teach, who the kids respect. I've had a couple music teachers that were absolutely terrible. They were lazy, they didn't get anything done, and they couldn't control a class if their lives depended on it. In some places I can see where it would not be worth it, but I think that giving kids a deeper appreciation and knowledge of music is an important thing. __________________ LAST.FM / VINYL COLLECTION / RYM

02-01-2010, 02:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
TheBig3 killedmyraindog Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 11,172	What kind of lazy, intellectually bankrupt, forum troll votes in a poll and doesn't make a comment? No i'm not trying to be funny, i'm seriously asking. its a discussion forum not an elevator. __________________ I've moved to a new address

02-01-2010, 02:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	What kind of lazy, intellectually bankrupt forum troll doesn't respond to the first reply to his topic? __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm

02-01-2010, 02:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
sidewinder Engorged Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,536	I think music education is very important and should be in public schools but secondary to core subjects. However, it could use some refining from what it was when I was in school. Music education could provide an outlet for creative expression. Music is also great for the mind, so they say. Might be more for toddlers, I don't know. It also provides something kids can take a greater interest in, something maybe to look forward to when they're at school. Maybe it'll make them want to join band. I kinda wish I had joined band when I was in school. Except for the dork factor. I think music class and band need a bit of reform, making them less dorky perhaps. Give kids options, based on the kind of music they're interested in, maybe. I don't know. But yes I think music class, much like art class, are important and should be part of public school curriculums. __________________ last.fm \| my collection on RYM \| vinyl instagram @allthatyouseeandhear I'd love to see your signature/links too, but the huge and obnoxious ones have caused me to block all signatures.