Music in the Secondary Schools of the United States
Abstract
From a careful consideration of music in general, it is evident that the study of this art may be approached from several different points o view. One may work with the idea of becoming a composer of lofty themes, another with the hope of acquiring sufficient skill for artistic performance, while a third group may be motivated by the sole desire of learning to listen intelligently to worthwhile music produced by competent musicians. Are not these phases of musical endeavor which make such great demands on the student of music entitled to recognition as possessing the highest educational possibility?True musical education requires a twofold development, that of the mind and that of the body. The ear, the eye, the hand, the arm, the voice, and the heart must be trained. Fine discrimination in tone, in quality, and in accuracy is a requisite, as are also proper enunciation, correct breathing and self-control. Scholarship for musical facts and unusual technical proficiency are certainly worthwhile achievements but they are not the only requirements or musical intelligence. Still more is demanded for this capacity to be perfected. Mastery of the auditory element must be supplemented by the ability to respond to the rhythmic experiences of musical compositions.
Subject Area
Secondary education|Music education|Education|Music theory
Recommended Citation
Newton, M. Perpetua Caroline, "Music in the Secondary Schools of the United States" (1932). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI29282582.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI29282582
