Music and Liter acy

Are Music and Literacy two different topics?

Through power point we will explore how literacy can apply to music as music literacy and then how music as a specialty area can aid language literacy.

Music Literacy Music literacy is a language in and of itself. Music literacy is a language in and of itself. Many studies have been done concerning how music effects language learning, however we must also think of learning the language of music when we think of literacy and music. Many studies have been done concerning how music effects language learning, however we must also think of learning the language of music when we think of literacy and music. Becoming “musically literate” involves being able to speak, understand and emote a musical lexicon. Becoming “musically literate” involves being able to speak, understand and emote a musical lexicon.

Musical Lexicon  Lexicon is the vocabulary that goes along with a certain subject area. In order to become musically literate one must consider the following lexicon: -genres of music -dynamics -music theory (ability to read/write music) -music history -music technology -vocabulary like: -forte, piano, ritardando, musica ficta, picardy third etc.

Concerns About Literacy in a School Setting  There has always been a strong emphasis on Language, Math and Science Literacy in the school system.  Thanks to “No Child Left Behind” there was an even stronger emphasis on English Literacy over Music or Arts Literacy.  In many of the sited links about music and literacy discussion has stirred about how music can help develop literacy in areas like English or Science.  In order to keep music in our school systems it is important not only to talk about the importance of music as an entity but also the importance of how music helps other subject area literacy's.

How Can Music Aid Language Learners?  Educators like Dr. Al Balkin have used music to create songs about language and literacy in different styles of music.  There have been studies compiled to test the reading abilities of music students as compared to non-music students. It has been shown in studies that students who have already established a musical literacy do indeed excel in their reading abilities as compared to students who are not “musically literate”.  Our subject area of music must be used in some context to enhance some of the core subject areas.  Dr. Al Balkin said “Our "specialty is music" and "You use that specialty and your talent to teach whatever (along with music) fundamental knowledge that children must possess in order to function successfully in school and in life."

Conclusion  Music is a subject area that should exist simply because of its innate value and meaning of the music itself.  To be musically literate is to be able to read, write, understand and communicate through music.  Arts educators not only must teach a curriculum emphasizing the importance of their arts subject area (i.e.. music) but also create with in that curriculum ways to aid the core subject areas as set by the school.