Teaching Music in the Public Schools
When I initially graduated from college, I believed that music should not be taught in the public schools because the students would not dedicate themselves to music as it requires. Since then, I have learned more about life and what is important. I think that music is the most difficult field of study ever devised by mankind. Music has always given me great pleasure, but now I realize how much it has made me a better person. Learning music makes a person happier, healthier and smarter! How can we deny these benefits to our younger generation. Music is the only subject in the public schools that teaches all the other subjects.
Counting and clapping rhythms in music teaches students mathematical fractions and physical coordination that is required in all athletic pursuits
Studying the lives of great composers teaches European history
Examining string harmonics teaches science
Reading music shows us how to be better readers. When we read music we do not skip over any notes because the rhythm would not come out correctly.
Learning musical terminology teaches foreign language and spelling
I illustrate the importance of learning music in the public schools by asking the class, "Who likes to eat French fries?" I love French fries, but I like them better with ketchup. I ask the class, "What do you like on your French fries?" I receive various answers from mustard to barbeque sauce. I continue by asking them, "Why do you put ketchup on your French fries?" I select students to answer until someone says, "Because it makes them taste better!" That is the answer to my first question, "Why do we teach music in the public schools." BECAUSE MUSIC MAKES OUR LIVES BETTER!
"MUSIC IS THE KETCHUP ON THE FRENCH FRIES OF LIFE"