The ultimate goal of education is to aid in the formation of autonomous and authentic human beings who can think critically and creatively about the diverse world around them in ways that are authentic to their lived experiences. Creating the “best possible person” involves enhancing students’ abilities to connect to their world in real ways. Education should enhance students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity in connecting to the world, problem-solving and rational thinking. All students should have access to education that places their interests and well-being at the center, cultivates self-efficacy and does not homogenize children into standardized forms. For music education specifically, teachers and students should approach subject matter as collaborators; teachers should use students’ knowledge and interests to guide classroom discussions and content. It is essential to understand the importance of culture in education and teaching music in a way that will enable students to create their own musical meaning. 

Giving students choice and voice in the classroom helps to promote diversity and inclusion, as it allows for a variety of perspectives and experiences to be shared and valued. This approach to education helps to create a more democratic and equitable society, where all voices are heard and valued. 

The qualities within learning experiences that are likely to lead to musical understanding are those that are student centered and driven by their individual interests and passions, as well as those that foster creativity. Learning experiences should provide opportunities for students to experiment with music, ask questions and think critically about their personal understanding of music in a way that is cognitively appropriate for their age and ability levels, including accommodations for students with IEPs/504 plans as necessary. Ultimately, musical understanding can be achieved through a combination of experimentation, exploration, critical thinking, and questioning. By providing students with a safe and supportive learning environment along with opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration, they will be able to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of music.