Philosophy of Music Education

Musicianship is the proper foundation of any career in the field of music. Before we can read and write music, understand music theory, or write about music in a meaningful way, we must acquire experiential knowledge of music by doing it with our hands or voices. Fundamentally, I believe music is something people do; and only as a reflection of this doing is it truly something to be known, or experienced. Throughout life, one's musical practice provides self-growth, and can be a pathway to universal inspiration and insight.

As a music educator, I create music-making opportunities for my students. Through this process, all of my students learn how to read music, understand music theory and history, and how to methodically practice playing a musical instrument.  Because students assimilate new experiences into existing bodies of related knowledge, it's important (especially with young people) to engage with music a student already knows and loves. It's crucial to take full advantage of the reverence for music that a student brings into the classroom; to have performance achievements celebrate students' precious beliefs about what, in music, is special.

I personally arrange and create performance projects for individual students and groups of students working together, taking into account their musical interests and present levels of ability. It's important that a student is consistently confronted with just the right amount of challenge - not too much, not too little - and that he/she is able to regularly celebrate the completion of increasingly sophisticated projects. This way, we learn the joy of practicing and studying, and the pride that comes with finishing something beautiful.

My own background and expertise is in classical music.  Fundamentally, answering the question "what type(s) of music should a student study?" depends on identifying appropriate challenges for this particular student, and finding out what this student loves.  To paraphrase John Dewey, an educational experience is one that increases the depth and scope of potential future experiences. Through making music, I strive to facilitate educational experiences that enrich students' social, emotional and intellectual lives.

-Marc Mosteirin