Music Education in Public Schools

TheBig3 · 02-01-2010, 10:39 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?

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, 10:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheBig3 killedmyraindog Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 11,246	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