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Music and the 'A' in STEAM
Music educators generally share similar philosophies and beliefs about the value of a magnificent music offering in education, and how powerful and meaningful it is for many students who engage in music making, composing, listening and analysing. We are confident in our shared belief that music develops and enhances key skills in students. Many students develop a heightened level of auditory awareness which makes them incredible listeners and communicators.
When analytical capabilities flourish and the ability to self-reflect, collaborate, create and innovate collide, you have a person of immense talent and potential. As well as these tremendous skills, there is also the understanding that the receiving of a quality music education offers students the chance to interact intellectually, kinetically, emotionally and with sensitivity in all other areas of their lives as individuals and life-long learners. Therefore, if inspired and motivated to engage in music in its many forms throughout our family of schools through outstanding teaching and learning, meaningful and stimulating curriculum content, and performance opportunities as well as being able to enjoy the fruits of the Juilliard-NAE Performing Arts Curriculum and associated unique opportunities, we will be sending our students out into the world with the skills and confidence to be able to thrive and contribute through an abundant amount of creativity and expression.
Should there be a call to action for all music educators and all arts specialists to stand with pride, side by side in shared ownership of the “A” in STEAM? Absolutely! As arts educators, we should be the most enthusiastic advocates moving forward for the “A” in STEAM. So, meet with your, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics colleagues and inspire one another, allow your infectious enthusiasm and experience as heightened creative individuals to be enjoyed in the ultimate blended learning experience for your students, and they will thrive beyond measure.
Many thanks to all who contributed in the discussion on the music area on NAU in response to the recent collaborative topic on the 'A' in STEAM. Please watch for more opportunities to engage in this hot topic on both the music and visual arts areas on NAU.
6th Grade music students at Windermere Preparatory School, creating 3D graphic scores inspired by listening to the JS Bach Cello Suite No1: Prelude in G
Tim Hainsworth
Director of Choirs and MS Music
NAU Teaching Fellow for Music
Windermere Preparatory School