Eisner- Misunderstood role of the arts

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: November 3, 2011



Eisner, Elliott W.  (1992). The misunderstood role of the arts in human development.
 Phi Delta Kappan, (April), Pages 591-595.

    The trouble with music education is that many people don’t understand it’s importance.  Learning music can help children develop in ways that other subjects can’t.  The arts can be very helpful to students in understanding problem-solving and their own feelings and emotions.  Art classes are also a great place for creativity and discovery, which are two qualities that are very important in our world. 
    In most schools, several top performing students are involved in musical ensembles.  I think this fact certainly shows how useful music is in education.  Sometimes students are in desperate need of a creative release and arts classes provide this.  I often have days where things just aren’t going well, and going to choir and singing can erase it all.
    I completely agree that there is a general misunderstanding of the importance of music.  I have come across several people who do not see the importance of studying music.  Eisner brings up several good arguments as to why music is needed.  The statements in this article will be very useful in my career.  I am sure that there will be times that I will have to advocate for my profession and convince people that what I do is truly necessary for the kids.