wisconsin music educators association president
• the eclectic music that students engaged with in the past year, including styles and genres that were not previously explored during ensemble rehearsals
Rather than planning for a return to nor- mal, it may be more beneficial to reflect and act upon what we have learned in the last year. What aspects of music education did we miss during the pandemic – and why did we miss them? What components of music education need to be tweaked or discarded? What positives did we uncover because we were forced to do things dif- ferently, and how can we retain those in the years ahead? What discoveries did we make in our recent journeys that could lead to exciting new possibilities for music education?
Through careful reflection, we can begin to envision our next step in music education,
one that includes a both/and approach: the best of music education prior to the pandemic along with new approaches and mindsets that we learned as a result of the pandemic. For example, we might choose to develop new course options, allowing students to enroll in performance-based ensembles as well as courses that focus on non-performance aspects, such as sound production, music and culture, or popular music. Alternatively, we could adjust our curriculum in order to explore all artistic processes (create, perform, respond and connect) in a more meaningful way, or we could commit to engaging in more holistic approaches with our ensembles through Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance (CMP) strategies. Likewise, we could utilize and expand upon our newfound technology know-how to better engage with creativity or to connect with musicians from around the world. Ulti- mately, we could choose to incorporate
new mindsets and approaches that make music education even more meaningful for the students of tomorrow.
When considering our next steps, we would be wise to remember that the most comfortable options are not necessarily the best options. As NAfME President Mackie Spradley aptly stated at the 2020 Wisconsin State Virtual Music Confer- ence, “Don’t go back to the past. The greatest gift that we have is moving for- ward, moving into our future.” The choice is ours – and includes exciting possibilities through a both/and mindset. It’s up to us to make that happen.
Paul Budde is the music education coordinator at UW-River Falls. Email:
paul.budde@uwrf.edu
AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH TO
CREATING MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
In today’s diverse, divisive, technology-driven society, finding the guidance you need to discover yourself can feel overwhelming. At UW-La Crosse, our music program values each student and is proud to offer one-on-one attention with a diverse, broad set of opportunities. Our supportive faculty and staff celebrate the diversity in each student’s individuality, musical potential, and growth. Find your center with us as we use the universal language of music to cross divisive divides and seek truth in all people.
Come Soar with us!
For audition information, email
music@uwlax.edu Online audition options available
UWLAX.EDU/MUSIC
Wisconsin School Musician
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