Background
Before discussing the importance of music education, some clarification is needed as to what music education includes in its curriculum. Music education, in this case, will be defined as the teaching of music theory, skill (instruments), as well as appreciation. Music theory is “the study of the theoretical elements of music, including sound and pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation.” Music theory is an area of study that can be taught alongside instruments, and is commonly taught with the keyboard/piano. While music theory is a difficult subject to grasp and requires time and energy to learn, its benefits are indisputable. Learning to play a musical instrument is crucial to a comprehensive music education as it allows the student to express what he or she has learned. Music appreciation is “the cultivation of an understanding and sensitive awareness of music, esp. as taught in schools.” This is an aspect of education that educators should not ignore as it teaches students what to listen for in music in regards to harmony, rhythm, and musical quality, and advances their musical taste and knowledge.
