Scholarship Post - MUED 271

One of my favorite quotes from the Allsup reading was, "Diversity is not understood as something I introduce to students. Diversity is encountered, and its problems are unpacked, as we work within and across layers of difference and divergence." (Allsup page 105) I like this because one of my primary goals in my philosophy of education is to be inclusive of diversity. By incorporating music from various backgrounds into the programs in my classroom, it would help my students to be aware of various cultures. Through encountering different cultural musical ideas, students will be able to discuss it and also be more inclusive of other students that identify with a minority. 

Earlier in the semester, Dr. Abramo was able to visit our class and we watched a Beyonce music video and discussed the ideas portrayed in it. The question about the video was whether or not it promoted female empowerment or oppression. I liked how we were able to incorporate music from pop culture into the class. As an aspiring string orchestra teacher, I hope that I can introduce music from various genres and not just classical music so that the students in my class can have a more well rounded education. I also liked how in that experience fro this class we were all able to discuss and share our ideas. 

Another one of my favorite experiences in class was when Ms. Bledsoe was able to visit and have us participate in an improvisation exercise. Personally, improvisation was a skill that I didn't have much exposure to in my k-12 education. I think it is important for students to feel comfortable expressing any musical ideas that they have. By incorporating exercises similar to the one we did with Ms. Bledsoe, it will enhance every students musicianship and allow them to feel safe exploring their own creativity. The national anchor standard fro music number 1 states that students should be able to, "generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work." Therefore, it is my responsibility as a teacher in this specialized field to ensure that my students have that opportunity.