Reimer

MUSIC 23241: MUSIC TEACHING AS A PROFESSION
Mr. Marcus L. Neiman, Assistant Professor
Kent State University School of Music
Fall, 2011

CRN:  200910 – Section number: 001 – Class Days: TR 7:45a – 8:35 am - Classroom: SOM E202
Office: Band Office - 330.672.2965 - Telephone: 330.672.2965 (Kent Campus) - E-mail: mneiman@kent.edu
Office Hours: TR 9:00 – 9:55 am (Additional hours available by appointment)

BlackBoard and Text Readings

Submitted by:  Emily Young
Submitted for: Mr. Marcus L. Neiman, lecturer
Date: October 13, 2011



Reimer, Bennett.  (2004).  Reconceiving the standards and the national music program.
 Music Educators Journal, (November), Pages 33-37.

    There are nine national standards that have been put in place for music education.  Teachers may often have trouble teaching all nine of these standards.  In this article, Reimer provides a very convincing argument as to why these standards are so important.  These standards are created to enhance the learning process in music for all students.  Music programs tend to put a lot of focus on singing and playing instruments, but not every student has an interest in these things.  Actively applying all of these standards in every music class can make a huge difference for the future of music education.
    By the time students reach high school, music is an optional course that they can take.  Many students choose to opt out of musical programs.  There needs to be a way to get all students involved in music.  There has to be substantial evidence available to administrators, that music courses are important.  It is hard to justify teaching a course that only ten percent of students will take.  These standards can provide a huge aide to teachers trying to make their programs survive.
    There is a huge difference between music performers and music teachers.  It takes real passion and dedication to teach music, just having musical skills is not good enough.  The field of music education needs individuals who can evoke inspiration and a willingness to learn in their students. Those who really care about what they are doing are the ones who can understand and implement these standards to the fullest.  Having the right teachers is probably the best way to keep music programs alive throughout the nation.