Date Posted:15:05:32 02/19/07 Mon Author: Amanda M. Subject: Re: General Music-- The Scum of Music Education? In reply to:
Nickie
's message, "General Music-- The Scum of Music Education?" on 20:26:08 02/18/07 Sun
For one thing, I do not think that it is just general music educators who are looked down upon by secondary teachers; I think this holds true for most elementary teachers as well. I have noticed this trend, but I am not sure why this is. People who can instill a love and want for being involved in music into children are one of the most critical influences in the world of music education. The only reason I can think of why this prejudice exists is maybe people view positions of teaching in higher education are more reputable. I think that if someone has a passion to teach and is patient, general music education would be a great route because those are the people who are needed most.
I think Nickie has a point; I have noticed that some people do look down on elementary music teachers, and perhaps consider them less skilled. I think this is a product of earlier generations, when elementary music was primarily just singing. It certainly doesn't reflect current trends in elementary music education, with the extensive emphasis on techniques such as Orff, Dalcroze, Kodaly, world music, dancing, etc. Elementary teachers today achieve amazing things with young children, far in excess of what was being done 15-20 years ago. Here is a second question: how can elementary music teachers make more obvious what is going on in their programs?
