Creative Music Class

I’m trying to write curriculum for a new class proposal at school. I want this class to be completely independent from our ensembles, and geared toward the school’s general population of students who have little or no experience in music. The question I keep asking myself, and now you as well, is, “What kind of music-specific knowledge should I plan to teach in the class?” Music theory is offered at the school, both as an introductory course and AP(one semester each). Should this be a prerequisite? Take the intro theory course before you’re able to enroll in the creative class? My concern with this is that it takes the opportunity away for any student to take it – as some students do not have two free semesters. If I offer the class with no prerequisite, there are still theory-related issues to be dealt with. Should these be dealt with on an as-needed basis?

My feeling right now is that a very quick introduction to theory would be appropriate, and then tackle other issues as needed. This would allow for the maximum amount of ‘constructivism’. These types of student-driven classes are starting to be prevalent in Great Britain, and I see no reason why they would not work here either. In fact, they may very well exist and I’m simply not aware of them. Have you ever experienced a class such as this? What are your feelings about having a class where the teacher acts as an advisor/facilitator rather than a supreme being of knowledge?

My assumption is that a class like this will be wildly popular – especially amongst student who are ‘amateur’ musicians (the rock dudes). Currently, the program at my school is ill-equipped to serve this group of students, and I would imagine we are not alone in this shortcoming. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on this type of curriculum, I would be happy to get your input. As it stands, this program would be highly experimental, but I am interested to observe instances of success as part of action research in implementing this class.

My Resolution

2009 will hopefully prove to be a year of hope and change in the world. The masses have come out in support of a new kind of civil revolution. So too shall we have an uprising in the music education community of progressive thought. I have made it my goal to make this the year that I formulate my philosophy statements into a conference presentation as a contribution to this much needed critique of music in schools.

What I would encourage all who read this or are involved in music education to do is give serious thought to the state of music in the schools. Are we, as teachers, providing student-centered programs that are available to the entire population in addition to our traditional performance classes? Is creativity (and not re-creativity) a major part of the curriculum? Is music learning made meaningful for all our students? These are the questions that will drive me probably for the remainder of my career (as change is never a simple, overnight matter), and I am always appreciative of the thoughts of my friends and colleagues. Cheers to you all in ‘09!