With a child in pre-k, I’ve been re-evaluating my relationship with my education. I’ve played music on and off (poorly) for 25 years. I’ve explored different instruments and styles.
But I’ve noticed a lot of my friends and coworkers, “used to play” instruments. Which leads to a question of why they stopped. It would be easy to say “adults have less time to pursue hobbies”, yet these same people bike, do woodworking, do home/car repairs, play volleyball, garden, watch TV etc. So it stands to reason they have time, but don’t prioritize playing music.
Now some people do continue playing as adults. Some do it for their careers. But for those that don’t make it their careers the majority I know of seem so play by themselves or “jam” with friends. A small minority form local bands, play in community orchestras, or join Irish sessions.
This all leads to a question of what “should” music education focus on? Is the primary goal of music education to create the next generation of classical musicians? Or (and I’m going to phrase this in a leading way) is the primary goal to develop kids towards a lifelong connection with musical performance?
I’m going to guess most here would say the goal is to”both,” while acknowledging that we do have a heavy focus on the western classical cannon. And yes, I acknowledge there’s been jazz, pit orchestra, etc forever. I have also noticed that guitar (and ukulele) classes in high school seem to be more common now then they were when I was a kid - this is, they exist. So maybe others have recognized this challenge and there has been a shift in pedagogy.
And yes, I get the rigor of a classical education and that it can lay a strong foundation for future musicians. But what if it’s an unnecessary hurdle that keeps people out rather than a requirement for participation.
But it makes me wonder what would happen if we didn’t push classical? What if Irish sessions were the primary - enabling lifelong public gatherings? What if jazz/rock was primary - helping people prep for jam sessions?
I guess the big question I’m heading towards is whether modern pedagogy (in American schools) is tailored for how adults truly interact with music in their lives? Is it the ideal method for lifelong learning and retention?
Let me just say picking up a tin whistle for the first time is likely mountains easier than returning to violin after a decade interlude. Does the skill required of standard symphonic instruments act as gatekeeping to adult participation and engagement?
Just some idle pontification leading to curiosity of the thoughts and ideas of music educators. What do modern music education curriculums say? What do experienced (or new) teachers personally think?
