What Can Education Learn from Teaching Music?
by Advocacy and Community Relations Chair
Dr. Aurelia W. Hartenberger

Today’s educational system is predicated upon scientifically grounded knowledge, or at lease it is the aspiration of why we do what we do. The psychologist turned learning into a scientific enterprise they called psychophysics. Their goal was to discover the facts about intellect, character, and behavior – the virtues of the 20th century educational system. Technology, the educational tool of the 21st century, is starting to provide research in the field of cognitive neuroscience as they deal with the study of how the brain structure supports mental functions, i.e., perceptive, cognitive, and memory functions of the brain. But, we still have not uncovered the answers to emotion and the interpersonal motives of the brain, those vital aspects of music that support the essence of creativity and innovation.

As educators of the 21st century, we need to reframe our conception of an educational system that will meet the demands of a new global society. We must move our programs beyond the virtues of the 20th century. We need to take what we know about music, the experiences, achievements, and sophisticated thinking processes that we challenge our students with daily in our music classes, and communicate to our students, parents, and community the “Why” of music education for the 21st century. Tim Lautzenheiser shares with us what I like to call the 4 “C’s” of music education. Excerpts from “The Value of Music.”
Creativity –
Music opens horizons of the mind and supports wonderment,
imagination, appreciation, and sensitivity. Creativity is the source
of possibility and is a mental muscle that must be trained and exercised often.
Communication –
Music is a language beyond words. Music can only be explained with music
because of its various styles, textures, tempos, and dynamics. Music
truly stirs the soul of people. No words or visual display can come close to
the emotional impact of music.
Critical Assessment -
Music is one of the key areas where an individual can develop a consistency
between intellectual and emotional understanding. Here is the chance to bridge
the cognitive and affective data of life, which many feel is the recipe of genius.
We can create formulas instead of just solutions, and we can be pro-active rather
than re-active. We can open the mind and avoid tunnel vision – and in doing so,
come up with discerning opinions which develop quality character.
Commitment –
It is almost impossible to be “partially committed” to music. One may quit on a
test, refuse to turn in an assignment, or just not be aware of what is going on in a
lecture class, but the participation level in music requires a focus of attention unlike
most subjects in school. Music causes one to learn persistence and the value of “not
giving up,” even when there is the temptation to throw in the towel. Many have
pointed to “stay power” as one of the greatest personal attributes in our society.
Welcome to one of the key benefits of the study of music. Tim Lautzenheiser

Viewing some of the most recent polls leads me to believe it is starting to take hold. Washington, D.C. (Jan. 24) – Results from a national poll were released today by Lake Research Partners identifying a new strand of swing voters poised to support candidates
and policy that ensures building capacities of the imagination in schools. The new national survey of 1,000 likely voters, with a 3.1% margin of error, identifies that 30% of American voters are not only dissatisfied with public education’s narrow focus on the “so-called” basics but that they also believe developing the imagination is a critical, but missing, ingredient to student success in 21st century schools and moving students beyond average.