Mandatory Music Classes

There have been many conversations about whether mandatory music classes should be implemented and or continued, or even discontinued altogether. With the exception of the latter, I think that it is an interesting discussion. Therefore I think that I will throw my hat into the ring.

Let us start with the cons. First and foremost, in my mind, is the music that is forced onto the children. The musical selections are rather limited. Usually it is either classical music, old-time ‘classics’ such as ‘Oh! Susanna’, or the terribly boring and uninspiring ‘Happy Birthday’ song. This type of music is more likely to turn kids off from music than it is to make them want to pick up an instrument. In my opinion, this is one of the most damaging aspects of music in schools. I feel music class should be presented like art class, where there are full class activities/ studies, as well as individual, or even small group projects. If the students were able to choose the songs they had to learn and perform, then there would be more interest in taking music classes, not to mention the retention rate of the class. Another con might be that if everyone were required to participate in music class, then many students might be forced to play an instrument that they are not interested in, and this would also result in a disinterested learner.

On the side of the pros, I believe that mandatory music would introduce students to other types of music, which they did not previously have exposure to, which could lead to either a renewed interest in music and/or a love of a previously unknown genre. I feel that the same could be argued for in the case of instruments. Unfortunately, most boys want to play ‘sexy’ instruments, such as the drums, a guitar, or even a saxophone. They are less likely to choose instruments such as the French horn, flute or the clarinet, as they are seen as girly instruments. The reverse goes for girls, where the drums, and sax are seen as boyish instruments and instruments like the tuba are said to be too heavy. However since a wide variety of instruments are needed to perform, students could rotate instruments, and possibly develop an appreciation for other instruments, which they never thought of trying before. One last pro I would like to introduce is that I believe that music is similar to travel. It broadens the mind. It allows people to see and understand other points of view, and experience things that are not normal in their lives. It is also said that variety is the spice of life. Even if you find that a certain song or genre of music is not for you, you still had the opportunity to experience it. In my honest opinion, it is similar to another famous proverb: “It is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.”

Kevin

Vocabulary

mandatory (adjective) – required by law or a rule; obligatory, compulsory
implement (verb) – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
throw one’s hat into the ring (idiom) – to join or participate in a contest (*in this case a debate)
retention (noun) – the act of keeping something (*in this case students)
genre (noun) – a style or category of art, music, or literature
proverb (noun) – a well-known statement that is generally true or seeks to give advice