Music education has a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations where music was regarded as an essential part of human existence. Today, music education is more important than ever before. Not only does it provide an opportunity for students to develop their musical talents, but it also has numerous cognitive, social, and emotional benefits.
One notable contributor to the philosophy of music education is Bennett Reimer. Reimer was a prolific writer, educator, and scholar who dedicated his life to advancing the field of music education. His ideas on music education have had a profound impact on the way we teach music today.
In this article, we will explore Bennett Reimer’s philosophy of music education. We will discuss the history of music education, the importance of music education, and delve into the key tenets of Reimer’s philosophy. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Reimer’s ideas and how they can be applied in the classroom.
Bennett Reimer’s Background and Influence
Bennett Reimer was born in 1932 in Ohio, USA. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in music education from Oberlin College before going on to earn his Master’s and Ph.D. in music education from the University of Michigan. Reimer held teaching positions at several universities, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he served as the head of the music education department.
Throughout his career, Reimer made significant contributions to the field of music education. He published numerous articles, books, and papers on music education, and his ideas have been widely adopted by educators around the world. Reimer was also an accomplished musician, having performed as a pianist and conductor with several orchestras.
One of the most notable aspects of Reimer’s philosophy of music education is how it differs from other music education philosophies. While some approaches focus on technical skills or music theory, Reimer’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of music as a human experience. This approach has had a profound impact on the way music is taught in classrooms today.
Key Tenets of Reimer’s Philosophy
Bennett Reimer’s philosophy of music education is anchored on several key tenets that emphasize the importance of music as a human experience. These tenets provide a framework for music educators to help students develop their musical talents and appreciate music on a deeper level.
Music as a Human Experience
According to Reimer, music is a fundamental human experience that transcends cultural, linguistic, and social barriers. He believed that music is an essential part of life, and that everyone should have the opportunity to experience it. Music education, therefore, should not only focus on teaching technical skills but also on helping students appreciate music as an essential part of their lives.
The Role of Emotions in Music Education
Reimer argued that emotions play a significant role in music education. He believed that music has the power to evoke emotions, and that emotional responses are an essential part of the music experience. Music educators, therefore, should create spaces where students can express their emotions through music, which can help develop their emotional intelligence.
Music as a Means of Self-Expression
Reimer also believed that music is a powerful means of self-expression. He argued that music provides a unique opportunity for individuals to express themselves in ways that words cannot. Music educators, therefore, should encourage students to use music as a means of self-expression, which can help them develop their identities and foster their creativity.
The Importance of Active Participation in Music
Reimer emphasized the importance of active participation in music education. He believed that students should not only learn about music but also actively participate in creating and performing music. Active participation, according to Reimer, helps students develop their musical skills, creativity, and self-confidence. Music educators, therefore, should create opportunities for students to participate actively in music-making.
Criticisms of Reimer’s Philosophy
Bennett Reimer’s philosophy of music education is not without its critics. While many educators agree with his ideas, others have raised concerns about some of his key tenets. In this section, we will explore some of the criticisms of Reimer’s philosophy.
Arguments against Reimer’s emphasis on emotions
One of the main criticisms of Reimer’s philosophy is his emphasis on emotions in music education. Some critics argue that while emotions are undoubtedly an important aspect of music, they should not be the primary focus of music education. They argue that music education should instead focus on developing technical skills and knowledge of music theory.
Criticisms of Reimer’s view on music as a human experience
Another criticism of Reimer’s philosophy is his view on music as a human experience. While most educators agree that music is a human experience, some critics argue that Reimer’s emphasis on this aspect of music is misplaced. They argue that music education should instead focus on developing the technical skills and knowledge necessary to become a proficient musician.
Conflicting viewpoints on the role of self-expression in music education
Reimer’s philosophy places a strong emphasis on self-expression in music education. While many educators agree that self-expression is an important aspect of music, there are conflicting viewpoints on how much emphasis should be placed on it. Some critics argue that too much emphasis on self-expression can lead to a lack of focus on technical skills and knowledge of music theory. They argue that music education should strike a balance between self-expression and technical proficiency.
Applying Reimer’s Philosophy in Music Education
Bennett Reimer’s philosophy of music education has numerous practical applications in the classroom. Here are some ways that Reimer’s ideas can be implemented:
How Reimer’s philosophy can be applied in the classroom
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Emphasizing active participation: Reimer believed that music education should be centered around active participation, rather than passive observation. In the classroom, this means encouraging students to engage in music-making activities such as singing, playing instruments, and composing.
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Fostering emotional connections: Reimer believed that music should be a source of emotional expression and connection. In the classroom, this means creating an environment where students feel safe to express their emotions through music and where they can connect with the emotions of others.
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Encouraging self-expression: Reimer saw music as a means of self-expression. In the classroom, this means providing opportunities for students to create their own music and to express themselves through improvisation and composition.
Examples of successful implementation of Reimer’s philosophy
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Orff Schulwerk: Orff Schulwerk is an approach to music education that is based on the teachings of Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. This approach emphasizes active participation, improvisation, and the integration of movement and speech into music-making activities. Orff Schulwerk is consistent with Reimer’s ideas about the importance of active participation and self-expression in music education.
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El Sistema: El Sistema is a music education program that originated in Venezuela and has since been adopted in many countries around the world. The program focuses on providing free music education to children from low-income families. El Sistema is consistent with Reimer’s ideas about the emotional and social benefits of music education.
Practical tips for incorporating Reimer’s philosophy in music education
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Create a safe and supportive environment: To foster emotional connections and encourage self-expression, it is important to create a safe and supportive environment in the classroom. This means creating a space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and where they feel supported by their peers and teacher.
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Provide opportunities for active participation: To emphasize active participation, it is important to provide students with opportunities to engage in music-making activities. This can include singing, playing instruments, and composing.
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Encourage creativity and exploration: To encourage self-expression, it is important to provide students with opportunities to explore their own creative ideas. This can include improvisation and composition activities, as well as opportunities to experiment with different musical styles and genres.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bennett Reimer’s philosophy of music education has had a significant impact on the field of music education. His emphasis on music as a human experience, the role of emotions in music education, and the importance of active participation in music has shaped the way we teach music today.
While there are criticisms of Reimer’s philosophy, it is clear that his ideas have created a framework for music educators to follow. By incorporating Reimer’s philosophy in the classroom, music educators can create an environment that fosters creativity, self-expression, and emotional development.
As we continue to explore and develop music education philosophies, it is important to remember the contributions of Bennett Reimer. His work has left a lasting legacy in the field of music education and will continue to shape the way we teach music for generations to come.