Values and Music Education

Estelle R. Jorgensen's book Values and Music Education explores how values apply to music education, offering a roadmap for thinking constructively and critically about the values held. It takes a broad view of music and education, drawing on multidisciplinary literature, and demonstrates an analytical and dialectical philosophical approach. It highlights forgotten or marginalized values, underscores perennial ones, and illustrates how values can be double-edged swords.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

The foundation of music education should be built upon a set of core values that encompass the holistic development of students. These values should be aligned with the broader goals of education, such as promoting social justice, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Here are some key values that should form the foundation of music education:

Creativity: Music education should foster and encourage students' creativity, allowing them to express themselves through music in unique and innovative ways.

Collaboration: Music is a collaborative art form, and music education should provide opportunities for students to work together, communicate, and collaborate with others.

Respect: Music education should promote respect for diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives, and encourage students to value and appreciate the diversity of the world around them.

Critical Thinking: Music education should teach students to think critically and analytically about music and other artistic forms, enabling them to make informed decisions and judgments.

Empathy: Music has the power to connect people on a deep emotional level, and music education should foster students' empathy and compassion for others.

Independence: Music education should empower students to be independent learners, encouraging them to take ownership of their education and pursue their musical interests and goals.

In order to ensure that these values are acted upon in music education, it is important to have a clear vision and mission for the program. This vision and mission should be communicated to students, teachers, and stakeholders, and should be integrated into all aspects of the program, from curriculum development to assessment and evaluation.

Furthermore, music education programs should provide opportunities for students to engage with these values in a meaningful and practical way. This may include incorporating cultural diversity into the curriculum, promoting collaborative learning experiences, and encouraging students to express themselves through music in ways that reflect their own unique identities and perspectives.

Finally, music education programs should be evaluated and assessed on their ability to promote these values. This may involve using standardized tests, student feedback, and other measures to measure students' growth and development in these areas.

In conclusion, the foundation of music education should be built upon a set of core values that encompass the holistic development of students. By aligning these values with the broader goals of education, music education programs can provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life and contribute to society.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253058218