EDUCATION IS THE MUSIC IN ME

Christopher G. Manlapaz

Music is an imperative portion of the education of holistically developed students. As a significant portion of MAPEH, it brings equilibrium in the knowledge and expression of sciences and humanities to give our learners opportunities to showcase their creativity which allows them to explore learning through practice that the more they are exposed to it the more they feel acquainted with it. Some relevant competencies expect students to be taught reading and writing music, singing and playing instruments, or exposing them to the histories in it. This teaching and learning process pursues the improvement of their musical skills, increases their interpretation and reflection on life, and escalates their love for music.

On one hand, teaching music has been enjoyable in Philippine education. In elementary schools, the pupils learn to play instruments, sing in groups, and study basic musical elements. In junior high schools, learners usually resume requirements, but additional activities like taking part in the school choir or band are also possibilities. Most of the schools create clubs or groups where learners can participate, contribute, and enlarge their knowledge and appreciation of the beauty and practical use of music.

Furthermore, there is called instrumental instruction. It is a portion in music education that emphasizes the teaching-and-learning process of learners that is intended to playing instruments through certain steps like the reading of music sheets, identifying musical notes, and practicing actual songs. Learners are commonly familiarized with simple instruments, then as grade levels elevate, they are freely being given the decision-making as to whether or not they aspire to chase these lessons in junior and senior high school. Of course, as the lessons get complex, they become also skillfully demanding. In that case, the expertise of music teachers and guidance of the parents and guardians become more indispensable.

Thus, music education in the Philippines needs great and radical adjustments to make it more available and apparent to all learners whether in urban or rural areas. If we want to develop our learners holistically, grant them free education, lead them in the path of their interest and potentials, and other best reasons, we must make sure that our curriculum makes this possible because our learners deserve music.

The author

is Teacher

--oOo-

III at Don Jesus Gonzales High School (Cluster IV)