Why We Teach Music

Description

Singing has been an important part of our Anabaptist heritage. But what are the trends of music literacy and quality in your community? Does your school delight in music making? And what is at stake if music education is off track?

Lyle Stutzman approaches this topic with many years of experience in music teaching and directing. He's taught at the elementary, high school, and secondary levels including places like Shenandoah Christian Music Camp. He currently directs Laudate Mennonite Ensemble. Lyle brings a deep care and concern for music in the classroom. While he doesn’t directly address the issue of music discernment, he describes a foundation for music making that will orient you for making decisions both at school and beyond. Lyle lays out three reasons why we should attend diligently to music education:

• Music is essential in the kingdom of God
• Christ-centered music education prepares students to be effective in the kingdom
• Illiteracy and it’s results if we ignore music

He finishes with a collection of ideas for how we can improve. It’s heartening to see some progress in the years since Lyle gave this talk in 2014. There’s more ground to be gained. 

 

Links

• Pilgrim Choral Series: https://blueskymusic.net/pilgrim-choral-series/ 
• Sing for Joy: https://blueskymusic.net/shop/satb/sing-for-joy-you-happy-people/ 
• Lyle has taught at Faith Builders Training Institute: https://fbep.org/ 
• Lyle has taught at Shenandoah Christian Music Camp : https://www.musiccamp.info/