Philosophy of

Music Education
Joshua Gibson, BMusEd, AMusA

As a music educator, my goal is to cultivate in students a love for music,

through giving students experiences in creating, performing, and actively
listening to music from a wide variety of styles. I believe each individual
student should have the opportunity to learn music through active
participation in a classroom.
I love experiencing music and expressing myself through music, whether through
playing the piano, participating in an ensemble, arranging, or simply listening to a
wide range of styles. But not only is it my love for music that drives my passion as a
music educator, but also a desire to see each individual child fulfil their potential. As
a teacher I have the opportunity to be a positive role model and influence in the lives
of children, some that may have been negatively impacted by the environment they
have grown up in. Through providing a safe classroom environment, students will not
only be encouraged to enjoy developing their skills as musicians, but will also develop
skills and attributes that will help them to be successful contributors to wider society.

I believe in the importance of providing a comprehensive music education, where

teaching theoretical concepts is appropriately balanced with active music making.
In the music classroom that I teach, students should be composing and creating
music, performing, actively listening to a wide range of music, analysing music,
developing aural skills, singing, and understanding music from historical and cultural
perspectives. For this I incorporate into my teaching style methods based on Kodaly,
Dalcroze, Orff, and other key music educators. I believe teaching should be
scaffolded and differentiated appropriately for students needs and abilities, and

should be continuously built upon from foundation to year twelve. Each lesson I am
assessing the progress of student learning, through class discussion, performance,
written or notated work, and encouraging students to reflect on their learning
experiences.

Although music education has many profound benefits for children, its inclusion in a
school curriculum should not be justified solely on its extra-musical advantages. Music
is a profoundly rich part of any culture, and a highly valued and consumed
component of peoples everyday lives. As a core part of their identity, music gives
people a medium through which to express themselves in various ways. Music helps
memory, fine motor skills, supports language and reading abilities, and encourages
creative thinking and problem solving. Working within ensembles teaches students
how to work with others, much as team sports do. Its intrinsic value to individuals in
society advocates its inclusion in schools, and further drives my passion for music
education.