2. Objectives
1. Gain understanding about the concept of appreciation
2.Know why music appreciation needs to be instilled in learners
3.Develop awareness in carefully planning activities geared toward music appreciation
Introduction
Before tackling the idea of what music appreciation is, we have to first
know the meaning of the word appreciation. What is appreciation ?
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary , the term appreciation means
an ability to understand the worth, quality or importance of something,
having a full awareness of understanding of something. May we should
start thinking why some of our elementary school students fail or
underperform is because thy could not appreciate the value of the subject
or topics that they are studying. To them, studying can be a chore- a dull,
boring, necessary evil that they have to go through.
3. Many students even in college have a mindset that they have to pass their
subjects just for the sake of passing and not for the sake of learning . This is
a sad reality that has to be addressed. If there are appreciation courses on
Math, History and other subjects, shouldn’t Music appreciation also be
given the same support and attention?
Students perform much better in subjects that they find interest in and that
is what we are going to see in this particular lesson.
THINK : The Concept of Appreciation
Let us look at some examples to deepen our understanding about the
concept of appreciation .
An architect gazes at an 80-storey skyscraper as its construction comes to
completion. As he looks at the magnificent structure p and down He could not
help suppress a feeling of satisfaction, even if he was not the one
commissioned to build it. He knows the degree of sophistication required to
create it, the hard work, the materials used and the engineering needed to
keep it standing.
4. He marvels at the height of the structure and this mirrors the esteem and respect he has
for those responsible behind it, people who like him are in the field of construction and
design.
A computer repair specialist in a shop has specific reactions when he dismantles the casing
of a high –end gaming laptop after he is done fixing a batch of old motherboards. The
Electronic perfection of the gaming laptop’s advanced circuitry amazes him as he looks
upon it, wondering how many complex calculations are processed at such high speeds.
These reactions are conditioned by his understanding of computer electronics.
The reactions of both the architect an the computer specialist were conditioned by their
understanding of the processes involved . Each of them was able to judge, analyze ,
understand an enjoy the the things they observed , together with a sense of interest .
These result in an experience called appreciation.
As Teachers, It is our goal that our students would attain a similar degree of understanding
, sensitivity and awareness about music . Music experiences in class should bring about
enjoyment, satisfaction and understanding.
5. With this in mind , let us now look at the definition of music appreciation. Glenn (1936)
noted that it is an effort to give music meaning in the lives of children . There is not one
single way to define what music appreciation is so let us look directly at its characteristics
and what approaches are applicable to ensure that appreciation for music is constantly
sustained in our classes
Here are some notable points to remember when carefully planning for activities
Engendering music appreciation;
1. Music appreciation is all about nurturing a desirable attitude toward music ,
fostering a love for the craft .
2.It is understanding with enjoyment , so avoid the usual class lectures where students
have to memorize facts and information – let them experience the music for themselves.
3.Create activities where students can learn skills with pleasure . This will take some
Creative ad critical thinking on the part of the teaher.
4.Activities must be tied with a child’s interest .
5. Activities must be aimed such that students gain recognition, compare and contrast
musical details.
6. Extensive use of listenin , singing , rhythms, body movements, dancing and creting
music.
6. 7. Listening activities must be always guided teaching studets what to listen for in the
Music
8. Multicultural education – Expose students to a wide , diverse range of music styles.
9.Early exposure to good listening material should be established.
10. Perfection is not always the goal . It is not necessary for students to play an
instrument exceedingly well or always sing in tune – enjoying the experience is more
important.
In colleges and universities around the world , Arts appreciation courses are usually
Offered as General Education subjects. These are primarily exposure courses Which give a cursory
glance on the arts, music, literature and drama among others. In the current K to 12 curriculum,
we are given a chance to plant the seeds of music appreciation early on in a child’s life . Every
Music lesson should be a music appreciation lesson . Our students may not become musicians in the
future but their love and understanding for music will always remain with them.
Appreciation for music is accomplished when our students have attained both an intellectual
response ( I know something about that song , it is in E major ) and an affective response ( I love
Hearing the clouds of that song , it inspires me to do great things )
7. Experience - Brainstorming
Brainstorm or research and list down some music appreciation activities that can be used
In the class. Afterwards share about these in class , describing how these activities work
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ASSESS : Interview
Interview three students ( on elementary , one high school and one college )
Use the guide questions below to have a deeper understanding about the concept of appreciation. You
May write down the answers from your interviews in the space provided.
Guide Questions: ( For elementary , high school and college students)
1. Do you have a favorite subject in school ? Which subject is it ?
2. Why is it your favorite subject ?
3. Can you describe how your teacher teaches your favorite subject?
4. What subject do you think was not too helpful ? Why ?
5. Please describe how your teacher teaches this “ not too helpful subject .
6. Is music taught in your school ? If yes, how is it being taught ? If no, would you take it as a subject ?
Why?
8. 7. What do you think can we benefit from learning music at school?
8.Do you think that music can be an enjoyable subject at school ?
Why and how ?
