Philosophy

Philosophy

Scientific research suggests that music training gives people the edge they need to succeed in life. Musicians statisitically score higher on tests. Music eases stress, teaches beauty in the world, and is a way of sharing your love of life with others. It is the only universally understood language!

  Music is considered an academic elective, equal in weight to other academic elective classes in which a grade is earned. Concepts in English, math, science, foreign languages, and history are utilized during the course. Music is the only subject in school that utilizes so many different learning styles. 

THE FOUR R’s

Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Reliability. Respect your teachers, classmates, the Music Room and its contents. Be responsible for yourself and others. If you’re not sure how to do something, be resourceful, ask a classmate or teacher for assistance. Your fellow musicians rely on you...without you and your instrument, we cannot all play together.

ESSENTIAL GOALS

• Develop good work habits

• Instill listening skills

• Experience a wide variety of music literature, learning sound before symbol

• Develop sight-reading, a most important musical skill

• Enjoy familiar music and learn to introduce unfamiliar music to your repertoire

• Be able to play in a variety of tonalities (major & minor), and time signatures 

• Follow the principles of the ensemble method book (Standard of Excellence, String Basics, Habits of a Middle School Musician, etc.)

• Learn the importance of tuning and caring for your instrument (whether you own, rent or borrow)

• Be prepared: bring all materials to every class (sheet music, rosin, reeds, mutes, etc.)

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Stanley Music students elect to attend classes in order to make music and progress on their instrument. Provided that students are respectful and attentive, the teacher will focus on making music with the students, not on discipline.