Sounding the Teaching | Page 46

EX A MI NI NG MU SI C LEA R NI NG EX P ER I ENC ES T H O U G H T S C HUA S I E W LI NG Music learning does not just take place in formal contexts. Students draw from music experiences that occur in various other informal settings in their lives. The experience of performing music can help students connect their musical understandings with their personal self – not just showing an understanding of music elements (harmony, structure, rhythm, pitch, timbre, dynamics, style) but in making musical and creative decisions, showing musical ‘feel‘ and discernment. Hence, as teachers, we can influence our students’ musical growth beyond the General Music curriculum if we effect a rich and vibrant music culture in school, and develop in students a life-long love for music. 45