Perspectives on Music Education
Spanning history and place, music has always been a vital part of all the world’s cultures. Music is a cultural keystone giving us insight into societies that differ from one another in significant ways. In studying music, we learn the eloquent language of human expression. We learn that our understanding of music is limited only by our knowledge of its cultures of origin.
Music programs in Texas schools have the opportunity to give students a strong foundation in music history and in the knowledge and technical skills of musical performance and appreciation as non-professional musicians.
The goals for students in Texas music education programs include:
- Demonstrating an understanding of the components of artistic performance
- Understanding elements of music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and pitch, as they are used in musical compositions, analysis and performance.
- Listening to and participating in music as audience members and learning to make informed choices about music and musical performances.
- Demonstrating an understanding of the roles and significances of music in various cultures and historical periods.
- Utilizing musical knowledge and skills in the work and/or avocation of life after school.