Music and Band

Philosophy of Learning
Mr. Kepa Stern

My principles for teaching Music and Band are guided by the following
principles of learning:
• Learning requires the active participation of the student
• Students learn in a variety of ways and at different rates
• Learning is both an individual and group process

Music education enables students to interact with sound, simultaneously

engaging mind, body, and spirit. By creating, performing, and listening to
music, the students will experience the different ways in which music can
evoke and convey thoughts, images, and feelings. These experiences are
unique and essential, and make significant contributions to the learners’
lifelong development as educated citizens.

Music education, as envisioned in our St. Anthony School curriculum,

contributes to the intellectual, aesthetic, human, social, and career
development of the educated citizen by providing learners with opportunities
to:
• Develop competency in problem solving, critical thinking, and
decision making through experiences with music.
• Develop literacy in music, including familiarity with the conventions
of written music.
• Connect knowledge gained through experience in music with other
aspects of their lives.
• Use expressive skills gained in music to convey meaning in other
aspects of their lives.
• Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of artistic and aesthetic
expression.
• Develop independence, self-motivation, and positive self-image
through experiences with music.
• Practice cooperation in social interactions involved in the creation,
exploration, and expression of music.
• Accept and respect the ideas of others by working together to create,
explore, and express through music.
• Explore, create, and interpret self and world awareness through the
study of music, and music traditions of world cultures.
 • Develop discipline and confidence through experiences that demand
focussed and sustained practice.
• Appreciate the role of music in society and religion.
• Contribute to society through music related pursuits and careers.

These concepts mirror and conform to both the “Standard Learning

Expectations” of our school, and also that of the “21st Century Learning”
criteria.

Music experiences in the primary years acknowledge, respect, and further

develop the expressive experience young children brings to the school
environment. From an early age, children’s expressive “play” includes
movement, music, and dramatic play, all of which are significant in the
development of body, mind, and spirit.

“Play” is central and natural to children’s learning. As children move

through the primary years, they acquire music knowledge, skills, and
attitudes through play, and music experienced in the context of play
simultaneously engages the various senses. This results in a balanced and
integrated development of children’s innate music potential.

Through the years, the students continue to expand their music

knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through ongoing active participation.
They develop music literacy and use it to extend skills in creating, listening,
and performing. The increasing development of competence is gained
through activities that require practice and the use of their skills.

It is my goal and intent to prepare our St. Anthony students, and to

provide them with the necessary tools as they move on to higher levels of
music education. As they further expand their music knowledge, skills, and
attitudes, they will be able to apply it to many other aspects, and future
career goals.