PASLEY, from pg. 43
So what does this mean for music educators in the classrooms, whether teaching students to perform with their voices or on a instrument? Ms. Silvermann states, “Our concept of empathy in music education is a transactional concept of musical emotions, and music teaching-learning, that socially situates students’ efforts to “construct” their awareness (emotional, intuitive, bodily, reflective), as well as numerous musical skills, understandings, dispositions of compassion and empathy, habits of mind and heart, and ethical behavior . . . with their environmental circumstances—personal, familial, historical, social, cultural, technological, racial, gendered, economic, political, spiritual, and many other dimensions of life, whether inside or outside schools. Because music has enormous powers and potencies for “capturing” us physically, psychologically, socially, cooperatively, and more, shouldn’t music educators teach for these potentials by teaching empathy in and through musicing and listening (Elliot & Silverman 2014)?”
According to Chris Boyd Brewer, music brings education to life. It greatly affects our learning and living. Music educators should always reflect this in their teaching. No matter whether the educator has a regular classroom or a classroom with students that are mainstreamed into it, teaching music that is emotionally charged can:
• “establish a positive learning state • create a desired atmosphere • build a sense of anticipation • energize learning activities • change brain wave states • focus concentration • increase attention • improve memory • facilitate a multisensory learning experience • release tension • enhance imagination • align groups • develop rapport • provide inspiration and motivation • add an element of fun • accentuate theme-oriented units (Brewer, 1995)”
Brewer says music is not only one of the joys of life; it can also be one of the joys of learning as well. As a music educator, please reflect that emotionally charged, energetic music classroom at all times. You will not regret it!
References: About You: How Music Work, (2012), ReadWorks. org Abraham, K (2013), Music Inside Us, ReadWorks. org Brewer, C.B. (1995), Music and Learning: Seven Ways to Use Music in the Classroom, Zephyr Press. Elliot, D., & Silvermann, M. (2014) (2nd
Weir, K., & Nivens, D (2015), Music and Your Mind,
ReadWorks.org
Ed), Empathy and Music, Music Matters, Oxford University Press,
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MISSOURI SCHOOL MUSIC | Volume 71, Number 4
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