Dr.

Tim-Gram #4: CHOOSING MUSIC EDUCATION AS A

PROFESSION
CHOOSING MUSIC EDUCATION AS A PROFESSION
by
Tim Lautzenheiser

WHAT DO I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP? Isn’t this the question EVERY young man and
young woman asks him/herself along the educational journey? Didn’t YOU?
What is it that influences someone to choose to be a doctor, an architect, a lawyer, a business
person, an educator, a music educator? Is it: The fascination of the subject matter? The influence
of the parents? The desire to replicate a role model, a teacher? Perhaps it is a combination of all of
these, plus many more. We know students are drawn to subject areas where they feel; a sense of
personal contribution (they can make a difference), an increased positive self-esteem (they like
themselves as a result of their investment), a sense of challenge that supports their growth and
development (there is a measurable benefit package), and a feeling of joy indicating their investment
of time and energy is worthwhile and worth-their-while.
Colleges and universities are recruiting at all age levels. They realize there is an ongoing
competition for the best candidates who are destined to become tomorrow’ leaders in every aspect
of the work force. The early visions of seeing oneself as a politician, a business entrepreneur, or a
scientist, are more than mere hopes and dreams, they are the mental roadmaps created at an early
age that determines the direction of a person’s lifetime contribution. Therefore the recruiters are out-
in-force demonstrating the benefits of their particular vocational preference.
Where is music education in this evolutionary storyline? Why would someone choose to be a music
teacher? What does it take to convince a person to dedicate his/her life to teaching music to
elementary, middle school, high school, and college students? Is music education at the top of list
for all those who have the innate talent and personal commitment to fulfill the requisites of a certified
degree program? These are tough inquiries to face, particularly when there is a one-on-one
comparison with; other job-related salaries, extended fiscal benefits/perks, expectations of time
commitments, possibilities for advancement within the system, long range security, etc.
The typical college music major comes from a school band, orchestra, and/or choir program. While
there are a few exceptions (the gifted child prodigy) the vast majority have chosen music because of
the influence of their music teachers; someone (a high school director or a private teacher) who
recognizes a special talent and encourages the child to pursue a career in music. Simply put, these
new music majors enjoyed their stint in the school music setting, they admired their director/mentor,
they easily embraced their musical challenges, they loved to perform, and much of their social life
was spent with their musical friends during rehearsals, performances, and traveling to and from
concert sites. These are the students who spent countless hours in the rehearsal room sorting
music, teaching beginner lessons, stacking music stands, and always ready and willing to go the
extra mile to contribute to the forward progress of the program.
All-too-often the reasons for, “Why I chose to be a music educator,” do not align with the college
curriculum mandates. Everything from required keyboard skills to ear training proficiency creates a
shift in perspective. The good feelings experienced in the high school ensemble are replaced with
the demands of many hours of concentrated practice in preparation for the week’s applied lesson,
long night study groups for the music history exam, and extended rehearsals in preparation for the
chamber ensemble recital. It just isn’t the same!
Since the human is an adaptable creature, the focus of music making dominates the music major’s
thoughts, habits, daily activities, literally almost every aspect of the student’s life. The mind pushes
aside the memories of days gone by and the idea of “teaching music” becomes secondary to the
present-moment responsibilities of “making music.” With the prominence of time dedicated to
playing/singing/performing, skill levels increase and the value of music performance continues to be
the fundamental filter of all decision-making. And now comes the college EDUCATION CLASSES
needed to fulfill the requirements for a TEACHING license. When the college music major is already
pressed for time, it becomes incredibly tempting to alter the degree program from MUSIC
EDUCATION to MUSIC PERFORMANCE (avoiding the various education classes) and move
forward with plans to become a professional musician; after all, most of the musical preparation to
date has been in the area of performance. Is this a short-term answer to a life-long decision?
There is no question we all enjoy (even LOVE) performing. Nothing substitutes for the intrinsic
pleasure of creating music for the benefit of our fellow musicians and/or an audience of appreciative
listeners. From the weekend jazz player to the church choir tenor, music making is, and of itself, a
creative outlet that inspires us to new heights related to every facet of life. However the master
music educators will tell you there is another avenue of the music world that is equally as gratifying;
it is teaching others the language of music so they can avail themselves to this beautiful art form.
This essay is not about MUSIC PERFORMANCE vs. MUSIC EDUCATION; quite the contrary. In
the face of today’s dramatic need for music educators, it would seem obvious we would encourage
students to look carefully (and soulfully) at the value of becoming a music educator. Do they truly
understand the impact they will have on the lives of those students who are part of their music
classes? Perhaps we should mentally revisit those special days in our high school rehearsal rooms;
what was it about that particular environment that drew people there before and after school? Why
did students eagerly give up summer vacation time for music camp? Why did weekends become
opportunities for extended rehearsals? Why the band jacket, or the choir sweatshirt, or the
orchestra patch on the school sweater? Didn’t the combined experiences of practices, rehearsals,
concerts, bus rides, officer’s meetings, etc., create a forum of learning, growing, and becoming
unlike any other in the school curriculum? And didn’t the MUSIC TEACHER carefully and wisely
orchestrate the schedule to support the participation of the ensemble members while developing a
loyalty to the organization? As a result, the musical proficiency increased along with the sense of
commitment and dedication of the ensemble’s members. All of this SUCCESS was the result of a
music educator who continued to share the JOY OF MAKING MUSIC with his/her students.
Many years ago I was listening to a clinic presentation by the internationally acclaimed horn virtuoso,
Phil Farkas, who was then teaching at Indiana University after his successful tenure with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He was asked by a member of the audience what he thought was
his most important contribution to the field of music. Without a moment’s hesitation he said, “Oh
that’s easy; it’s my students. All the recordings I have done are fine, but the real value of my work
lies in the minds and hearts of my students, for they will be the ones who carry it to the next
generation.” There was a huge silence in the room; his unassuming and genuinely humble opinion
of his memorable performances was secondary to the importance of his teaching. He went onto say
he felt that teaching was the most noble profession in the world, for it was a selfless expression
designed to make the world better a better place. While this is the personal opinion of Mr. Farkas, it
also parallels the philosophical
approach of many of the key educators who have been responsible for the forward progress of our
music world.
There are many reasons to consider the field of MUSIC EDUCATION as a profession. We live in a
country where we have “music in our schools.” We are enjoying a surge in the understanding of the
value of music learning and music making. Music teachers are wanted and needed in our school
systems. Colleges and university are seeking qualified music majors. Music teachers PERFORM in
their communities, music performers TEACH in their communities. There has never been a better
time to do something you love and love something you do; MUSIC.
The ongoing research continues to bring forth compelling evidence of the benefits of music
study. We have known there is a relationship between successful students and the students who
participate in music. Is it a mere coincidence the academically strong students are also the
members of the school band, orchestra, choir? Absolutely not. The music educators of today are
working with the leaders of tomorrow. What better opportunity could there be to positively influence
the communities-of-the-future?

 To the middle school and high school musician: Take a careful look at the vast array of
possibilities beckoning the enthusiastic young musician. Music education embraces far more
than classroom teaching. Begin to explore the endless network of musical opportunities
always available to anyone willing to go the extra mile.

 To the college musician: Stay connected with the music education world. Find ways to teach
lessons, serve as a clinician for a local school, work with various summer music camps,
etc Remember your roots and find ways to share your gift with others.

 To the music educator: We can be serve as an important messenger in helping our students
discover what it is like to be a music educator by including them in various responsibilities
throughout the day. It is not necessary to have a music degree to teach a beginning flute
lesson, or organize the music library, or help create the bus list. Here is the chance for some
on-the-job training to introduce your students to what it is like to be a music teacher.

There is a certain indescribable wealth that comes as a bonus to every music educator’s payment
plan. It may be in the form of a parent who pulls you aside to tell you of the importance music plays
in the role of his/her child’s life. It may manifest itself as a holiday greeting card from a student from
many years ago who poetically tells you of the values learned in your choir, and how those very
values helped him complete medical school. It may be the smile of a fifth grader who quietly
whispers in your ear, “I like music better than anything else in school. Thank you.” And on, and on,
and on….

If you want to “making a lasting difference,” music education offers the perfect avenue to achieve
your goal; maybe that’s why YOU liked music better than anything else in school.

…let the music begin…

Reference:
https://nafme.org/programs/tri-m-music-honor-society/tri-m-dr-tim-grams/dr-tim-gram-4-choosing-
music-education-as-a-profession/