THE GOAL FOR GENERAL MUSIC PROGRAM

The Role of Music Education

Basically, the fundamental reason for Music teachers in the schools is to educate students
in music. That seems simple and straight forward, and in away it is. However, defining the
phrase “Educating Students in Music” in terms of what teachers teach and what students learn is
a more complex matter.

The Teacher should examine first if what the students should learn in Music.

What Is Music for Them?

1998 MENC committee offered a proposal.

All students should know music by the time they completed High School.

The committee’s effort resulted in the book “Music in General Education”. Eleven
desired musical outcomes for individual students.

A. Skills

1. He will have skill in listening music

2. He will be able to sing.
3. He will be able to express himself on musical instruments.
4. He will be able to interpret musical notation.

B. Understanding

5. He will understand the important of design in music

6. He will relate music to ma’s historical development
7. He will understand the relationships existing between music and other areas of
human endeavor.
8. He will understand the place of music in contemporary society.

C. Attitudes

9. He will value music as means of self-expression

10. He will desire to continue his musical experiences
11. He will discriminate with respect to music
 In 1986 MENC published a revision of the General School Music Program, Description
and Standards.

1. Ability to make music, alone and with others.

2. Ability to improvise and create music.
3. Ability to use the vocabulary and notation of music.
4. Ability to respond to music aesthetically, intellectually and emotionally.
5. Acquaintance with a wide variety of music, including diverse musical styles and
genres.
6. Understanding of the role of music has played and continues to play in the lives of
human beings.
7. Ability to make aesthetic judgments based on critical listening and analysis.
8. Development of a commitment to music.
9. Support of the musical learning life of the community and desire to encourage
others to do so.
10. Ability to continue musical learning independently.

Essentially the members of the profession must never lose sight of the fact that the school
music program is primarily for young people who are in the process of advancing through
life. It is a false premise to presume that all music is a “universal language”. There is too
much music from diverse cultures that does not communicate with the established
culture. Music is sound and the utilization of sound is the unique quality that separates
music from other art forms.