In ED205, we have discussed state and national standards for all teachers, as well as specific to each content area. In terms of teaching, there are licensure exams. For example, MTLEs (basic skills test), content tests, and edTPAs (during student teaching). We discussed the different tiers of licenses as well. In terms of standards, we have discussed both state and national standards for teaching and have been given opportunities to explore our content standards on our own.
In exploring music education standards, I found there are less standards for music than many other content areas. MN standards for music are broken into five categories, two of which are specific to either vocal or instrumental teaching. The first three are all a list of music skills needed to teach music, and the last two have more to do with teaching in general. National standards are a little harder to consolidate, but are also found on the NAfME website. In exploring national standards, the NAfME music standards feel more relevant.
In schools, a lot of music curriculum understanding is up to the teacher. Especially in schools where there is less of a focus on music, it is up to the individual teacher(s) to create a curriculum, find relevant repertoire, and teach music in a meaningful way. Music is something that is harder to test on a large scale, regardless of performance ability. I think schools could strengthen music programs by realizing that it is more of a core class than it might seem. Music is everywhere and is so beneficial for everyone that participation in programs should be encouraged in upper levels. Additionally, I think that more music teachers is better than less, especially for larger programs. Even in elementary schools, some music teachers are on their own with 800+ students. That is unlike most other teachers, especially for something so integral to humanity. I believe that the teacher makes the program, but leaving a teacher all alone without backup can lead to less music learning and more burnout.
I think music standards are relatively good. There usually is a focus on performance, which I don’t always agree with, but music is music. I would love to see more exploration of different ways to learn, play, compose, and analyze music at a young age, regardless of standards. Though many of these important tools are referenced in the standards, the standards are rather brief. There are so many amazing music teachers out there having tons of fun with students, but the pressure to succeed is present as a lone teacher of a subject in a school. Especially when “success” is so hard to measure in music!
