Allsup Chapter 4 Reflection

1.) The point on pg. 107 of Allsup I like the last point he makes about how the leaner may want to explore areas in the field of study outside the usual norms. Especially at the beginning levels of music education, I think it is important to fosters student's curiosity about all subjects and genres pertaining to music even if it is outside the class norms. This can help the student to grow a deeper appreciation for music by engaging with their own creativity and curiosity. 

2.) Allsup states that, " There are meanings that exist outside the casings that define the familiar and the normal" (page 116) How I interpret Allsup talking about "opening a closed form" is that there are many teachers who are stuck in teaching music and not the process of music making. Allsup talked about how the end goal of music education an be for some teachers just fulfilling the requirements and producing measurable results. That way the focus is obtaining skills to play the music on the page to show measurable results. With engaging students in the process of music making, it is a little more difficult to measure those objectives. As a future teacher, I hope that I can focus on engaging students in what they are doing, fostering creativity so there is a long-term appreciation for music. 

3.) From JMU's 8 key questions: 

Outcomes - Allsup discusses the concept of musical independence in this chapter. "Age and experience appropriate benchmarks" could help students gain creative independence which is the end goal of music education according to Allsup. 

Responsibilities - Teachers have an obligation to adhere to the Common Core standards and have outcomes from students that can be measured and evaluated. However, in a open classroom setting it is important to focus on the process of music making rather than just the 

Character- Allsup described the "democratic music educator is an agent" to help promote change in music in schools for the better. The importance of the teacher to be continually learning and growing is emphasized. 

​Authority - All teachers in public schools are subject to the common core curriculum But in the chapter it is discussed that it is important for teachers to be respectful to authority and the community, but to recognize the need for reform in public schools. Teachers have an obligation to the students. "Education must be more than preparation for work" (page 129)