Philosophy of Music Education in the Indian Context
Sandra Oberoi
Music Philosophy
Transformed to Transform: An Outlook on the Philosophy of Music that Serves the Indian Community.
“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives”. * Robert M. Hutchins
* “The goal of education should be “to widen one’s view of life, to deepen insight into relationships, and to counteract the provincialism of customary existence” * Philip Phenix
These goals must be the first and foremost reason why we teach music. To instill an even greater understanding and love of the domain thus enabling our students develop a genuine interest and continue a life long journey that’s undertaken in varying degrees and through diverse roles. Phenix (1986) stress on the fact that knowledge of methods makes it possible for a person to continue learning and undertake inquiries on his own (p.11). Estelle Jorgenson in her book “Transforming Music Education” eloquently describes the need for music education to be transformed for the very reason that children be able to continue developing their knowledge beyond the classroom. Effective music education is built of a foundation that encompasses discussions, goals, materials and strategies, based on a teacher’s knowledge and experience of music and child development, educational guidelines and “overarching, and developing philosophy of music education” (Fiske, 2012). Before I elucidate my philosophy about music, I recognize the need to clarify my stand as a music educator who is passionate and determined to elevate the status of music education within classrooms around India.
My Musical Experiences
Music has always been a part of me for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of music, especially the performance aspect, goes back to when I was three years old and sang a solo for a Christmas Concert that was organized by the radio station that my father worked at. I have memories of him kneeling on one knee and playing the
Music Philosophy
Transformed to Transform: An Outlook on the Philosophy of Music that Serves the Indian Community.
“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives”. * Robert M. Hutchins
* “The goal of education should be “to widen one’s view of life, to deepen insight into relationships, and to counteract the provincialism of customary existence” * Philip Phenix
These goals must be the first and foremost reason why we teach music. To instill an even greater understanding and love of the domain thus enabling our students develop a genuine interest and continue a life long journey that’s undertaken in varying degrees and through diverse roles. Phenix (1986) stress on the fact that knowledge of methods makes it possible for a person to continue learning and undertake inquiries on his own (p.11). Estelle Jorgenson in her book “Transforming Music Education” eloquently describes the need for music education to be transformed for the very reason that children be able to continue developing their knowledge beyond the classroom. Effective music education is built of a foundation that encompasses discussions, goals, materials and strategies, based on a teacher’s knowledge and experience of music and child development, educational guidelines and “overarching, and developing philosophy of music education” (Fiske, 2012). Before I elucidate my philosophy about music, I recognize the need to clarify my stand as a music educator who is passionate and determined to elevate the status of music education within classrooms around India.
My Musical Experiences
Music has always been a part of me for as long as I can remember. My earliest memories of music, especially the performance aspect, goes back to when I was three years old and sang a solo for a Christmas Concert that was organized by the radio station that my father worked at. I have memories of him kneeling on one knee and playing the
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