Teaching Music in the Elementary Grades
Module 1: Philosophy and Values in Music Education
I. What is this lesson about?
In this module you will learn the guiding principles and values in music
education. Through this lesson, one will learn how these philosophy and
values are applied in teaching music in the elementary grades.
II. What will you learn?
At the end of this module, you are expected to do the following:
a. Identify the guiding principles and values in music education
b. Reflect on the importance of music to education and teaching.
III. What do you already know?
What is the role of music in your life?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
What is the importance of music as a subject?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
IV. Let’s Read
A. Philosophy and Values
Every rational being is endowed with a set of beliefs, ideals, and values. These form
what is known as philosophies. His day-to-day decisions and actuations, even on the
small details of daily living, are greatly dependent on these. Some people are aware of
their beliefs. Others are not. A lack of awareness results in a lack of direction.
People are gregarious, and the life abounds in opportunities for group endeavor.
Groups that have to work together in attainment of common goals, must share common
beliefs in order to work in harmony. It is important, therefore, that we, who are abound
together in Music Education, must share common beliefs. Prominent among these are
that:
1. Music deserves a place in curriculum because of it’s power to do good,
essentially because of it’s power to sharpen one’s awareness of the beautiful.
2. Music as one of the arts, is necessary for one’s existence in everyday life, not
only for the rich emotional values it can offer, but because it requires self-
discipline, and encourages self-development.
3. The artist is not a special kind of person, but that everyone is a special kind of
artist.
4. Everyone is capable of enjoying music, because there are six (6) distinct
avenues which one may express himself; vocal music, instrumental music, music
appreciation (listening), create music, movement and theory and notation.
5. The intrinsic values of music (learning inherent to music itself: tone, melody,
rhythm, harmony, and form), needs as much as the extrinsic values (recreation,
social, and enrichment)
6. Music is a vital social force.
7. Music enriches and supports other learnings.
8. Music adds variety and zest to most any situation.
9. Music experiences and learnings not only enrich the present, but provide
enrichment in later years.
10. Music education in the elementary level, is important, because it is here where
the child’s first experiences in music is given. It is in this level where he explores
his potentialities and seeks his musical yearnings, interests and needs. It is here
where his artistic tastes and temperaments are former. Where his aesthetic
values are strengthened or weakened. The kind of music program the
elementary school has, may either make or unmake the child.
11. Every child is worthy, and because of this, he is entitled to conditions,
relationships, and experiences that will bring about the development of his
worthiness.
12. Every child is unique, and must be helped and allowed to develop and grow at
his own pace, to the best of his capabilities.
The endless use of music in all walks of life speaks of its usefulness in lifting man
to the realms of beauty and sublimity. How dreary this world would have been had it not
been blessed with music.
Music affects the physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and moral facets of a
man’s personality. Therefore, it is very meaningful in our lives and plays several
important roles that will lead man to live the full, happy, effective and harmonious
existence he needs in his complex and fast contemporary life.
A. Music as Self Expression
Music, as a fine art, needs primary consideration as a means of self-expression.
Expression is a necessity in the very structure of music. Every music activity, be it
singing, listening, dancing or rhythmic movement, playing instruments, or creative work,
is of necessity an experience in self-expression. It is this expression in music aimed to
release the beauty and the meaning of the musical composition. Music demands
expression because we feel it and we understand it through our bodily senses.
B. Music as Recreation
In the course of man’s life, he finds that he needs to lift from the work in which he
indulges. Living would be irksome if it were one of continuous work – no matter how
delightful or materially compensating it may be to the individual. The daily chores need
relief in recreation.
Music is useful again as a means of recreation especially during one’s leisure
hours for it enlivens and enriches the whole being. In music, man seeks and finds
company in his hours of rest. All the tedious hours of work may be forgotten and one’s
spirits rejuvenated by music activities.
C. Music as a Socializing Force
Music activities bring men close together. Through musical experiences, people
associate and find occasion for friendliness and community of feelings. Many music
activities involve grouping of people – in fact, it is hard to conceive of any music activity
that involves only a single individual. Choral ensembles, instrumental groups, concert
groups, even solo performances do not keep the individual to himself. He finds himself
always in activity with another or others. This situation gives the person awareness of
the need for getting along with others and gives opportunity for socialization.
D. Music as a Power for World Peace
Music breaks down racial prejudices and intolerance and promotes international
understanding. In music, men find a community of purpose and feelings and a basis for
cooperation. Music strengthens intercultural understanding which paves the way for
world brotherhood and peace. International music organizations include almost every
country so that they become instruments in promoting better understanding and
fostering and preserving peace and friendship among people.
E. Music as Therapy
One of the simple procedures in direct therapy is music therapy. The therapeutic
value of music dates back to the days of ancient history. Music through its elements –
melody, harmony, texture, rhythm, tempo and dynamics – can strongly influence the
feelings of man. It can stimulate and soothe the emotions. It has the ability to arouse the
nerves to a state of hysteria as well.
V. Let’s Discuss
1. How does “ music as a socializing force” apply to solo performance or a
composer who does his masterpieces in physical isolation?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. Aside from the above-mentioned values of music, what other value can you add?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
VI. Let’s Think About This
1. When school budgets are revised and something has to cut, it is
frequently music, which is seen as a frill despite the fact that it plays
several roles in our lives. What philosophy is applicable so that everyone
can see its importance? Why?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
2. Which among the values of music do you relate much? State your
personal experience.
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
V. How much have you Learned?
Choose 5 philosophies and explain it’s meaning. You may include your music
experience or other people’s experience. (Follow the format below)
Philosophies Explanation Experience
VI. Let’s apply what you have learned
It is claimed that music is significant and connects to many other parts of the
curriculum. Prove that:
1. Music is Mathematics
2. Music is Social Studies
3. Music is a Foreign Language
4. Music is Physical Education
5. Music is Science
6. Music is Magnetic
Be guided by the rubric.
CRITERIA Fails to Meet Need Meets Exceeds
Expectation (1) Improvement Expectations Expectation (5)
(2) (3)
Organization No organization Lacks logical Main points Main points
whatsoever. sequencing of stand but and details are
ideas. loosely properly
organized. connected.
Content Hardly gives Gives little Provides Gives very
information. information. adequate complete
Ideas are information. information.
present but not
developed.
Evidence Does not show Evidence is Evidence is Evidence is
an evidence shallow present but presented
may appear through the use
weak or lack of description
clarity. and details.
Format:
1. Use long bond paper, single spacing, font size 11, font type Arial
2. Please write legibly if handwritten. Use long bond paper and black pen.
Submission Options:
a. Upload your encoded work in doc/docx format or pdf.
b. Upload a clear screenshot of your work.
c. Upload a photo or scanned version of your handwritten work.
References:
Enriqueta V. [Link] al (1995) Teaching Elementary School Subjects. [Link]
Bookstore Inc.
Ma. Aparicion R. Martinez (1998) “Wilfreda O. Raquid: Her Works and
Contributions to Music Education” (Unpublished Master’s Thesis) Bicol University,
Legazpi City.
