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Oral Language (definition) : Oral language refers to both speaking and listening. As one grows up, he or she hears how spoken words sound, gains an understanding of what those words and sentences mean, and learns how to communicate their ideas based on the aforementioned information through speaking (phonological awareness). Eventually, one begins to take the knowledge acquired through speaking and listening to help them learn critical skills like reading and writing (literacy).

How does oral language impact music education?

One could not learn about music education without being able to listen and interpret what the teacher is saying. Thus, oral language is foundational to learning. Everything from how to properly pickup an instrument, sing properly, or understand fundamental music theory is communicated either through verbal instruction or writing as administered by a music educator. Specifically, in secondary instrumental music education, oral language helps students to be able to sing their parts in a piece out loud and describe the sound quality their instrument is making ( ex : a soft velvety saxophone solo) which promotes a deeper understanding of music.

How does your knowledge of oral language help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom?

Professionals have observed that oral language typically begin in students' homes. In a student's home many cultures are celebrated and different languages are spoken. Thus, to be more inclusive and promote diversity in the classroom, I as an educator can survey my students and try to program pieces that could be culturally significant (pieces written in other countries or that acknowledge certain traditions) or be in a different language therefore promoting diversity.

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Phonological Awareness (definition) : Phonological awareness refers to the process of how children recognize and work with sounds in spoken language. It is an early literacy skill. Phonological awareness encompasses being able to identify rhymes, counting the number of syllables in a word, being able to identify alliteration, segmenting a sentence into multiple words, and being able to identify individual syllables in a word.

How does Phonological Awareness impact music education?

Similar to spoken words, music is a set of pitches/notes that assemble into a language. Thus, children can begin to recognize certain sounds made on an instrument and learn to recreate them mimicking phonological awareness. With good phonological awareness, students should be able to listen to a piece of music and identify how it repeats or how parts of it sound similar (maybe within the piece or similar to another piece entirely). Just like in phonological awareness, pieces of music have identifiable patterns and can be segmented into individual notes with different partials (Ex : A whole note is like a sentence. That sentence can be divided into a quarter note (words). Each quarter note has partials that could be viewed as similar to syllables (16th and 8th notes). Overall, if a child has a natural sense of phonological awareness he or she will most likely make a very natural musician - the skills translate into musical form.

How does your knowledge of phonological awareness help you to be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom? Different musical instruments have specific tones and characteristics that make them unique. Thus, I could chat with my students about how instruments are similar to people, there are many different kinds and yet they all work together to create something beautiful. Another comparison one could make is discussing how different instrument mimic the way certain languages sound (ex : a romantic language would be very legato - smooth- where as a germanic language is more staccato - more broken up and harsher).

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Phonics (definition) : Phonics refers to the relationship between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. Overall the goal of phonics is to show that there is an organized, logical, and predictable relationship between written letters and spoken sounds. This idea is referred to as the alphabetic principle. Practically, this likes like "sounding out" a printed word while reading.

How does phonics impact music education?

Similar to phonics, music notation has an organized, logical, and predictable relationship between what is written on the page and what is played on one's instrument. Thus, if a student understands the alphabetic principle, he or she will have an easier time being able to read music notation.

How does your knowledge of phonics help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom?

Phonics is the foundation of reading. Oftentimes, diverse people groups struggle with literacy and implementing the alphabetic principle. Thus, if a student struggles with general literacy and phonics, he or she will most likely also struggle to read music and reproduce what the notation is asking of them. As an educator, I can keep a sense of awareness of the various levels of achievement and encourage any students who might be falling behind. In my classroom, I will make it a priority that all students are able to read music comfortably regardless of race, gender, socio-economic background, etc.

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Fluency (definition) : Fluency is the ability to read a text accurately, quickly, and with expression. When a student is a fluent reader, he or she quickly makes connections and can understand any text that is placed in front of them. The process of reading feels natural and becomes second nature.

How does fluency impact music education?

If a student struggles with fluency in general education, he or she will most likely struggle to read music quickly with appropriate dynamics, phrasing, tone, style, and note accuracy. Overall, students that excel and are fluent readers will most likely make excellent musicians.

How does your knowledge of fluency help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom? As an educator, it is ,my goal that each and every one of my students is a strong music reader. This fluency in music notation is part of what a successful music education encompasses. Thus, I want all students, regardless of race, social status, economic class, gender, sexual orientation, etc. to be proficient music readers. So, as an educator, I must commit to fluency and assist any student that might fall behind.

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Comprehension (definition) : Comprehension is what occurs when students read words and then make connections based on those words in order to form an understanding of the material. Reading comprehension consists of absorbing material, analyzing it, making sense of it, and making it their own. Reading comprehension is the foundation to learning all subjects in life.

How does comprehension impact music education?

Reading comprehension affects the learning of all subjects. Thus, if a student does not have strong reading comprehension he or she will most likely find it difficult to read music. Additionally, reading comprehension is vital when using any supplemental materials in the classroom. So, if a student has struggles with reading comprehension it will be difficult for them to gain a well rounded understanding of music. In music education, comprehension is essential in helping kids learn about topics such as music theory, music history, and music in relation to other cultures.

How does your knowledge of comprehension help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom?

As previously mentioned, comprehension helps create well rounded musicians. Well rounded musicians have a deep appreciation and admiration for music from all across the world. However, a lot of this appreciation is formed based on reading and studying about these cultures and the music they are creating. Thus, comprehension gives students access to understanding information that will make them well rounded and help them to celebrate music from all around the world.

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Vocabulary (definition) : There are four different types of vocabulary : listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Listening vocabulary is comprised of the words one needs to know to understand what we hear. Speaking vocabulary refers to the words one uses when they speak. Reading vocabulary refers to the words one must know in order to understand what he or she is reading. Finally, writing vocabulary consists of the words on uses while writing.

How does vocabulary impact music education?

Music education has its own specific and relevant set of vocabulary. Thus, to create successful musicians, educators must teach students the proper language in order to correctly speak about music. One example of this is how musicians use the term forte to refer to playing loud. In order to ensure students understanding, educators must teach this essential vocabulary to their students.

How does your knowledge of vocabulary help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom?

Each student comes into school with a diverse background and a varied vocabulary. Educators must be aware of this. Some students are more advanced and learn faster than others. However, one unique thing about music is that typically all students come in with a limited knowledge of appropriate vocabulary and understanding of concepts. Thus, music education is often unique because all students are learning beginner concepts at the same pace. Everyone is new and learning and should feel excited to learn more while also being comfortable making mistakes in order to learn new things and grow.

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Writing (definition) : Writing refers to the idea that print carries meaning. It requires a vast amount of skills including a strong vocabulary, understanding of genre, text structure, voice, basic mechanical skills like grammar and punctuation, organizational skills, and finally higher order thinking. Out of all the skills students must develop, writing is the most complex.

How does writing impact music education?

Much of the background information one gets about music is communicated in writing. Oftentimes composers will not have the opportunity to come see a group perform a piece in person. However with program notes both students and directors can get an idea of what a composer is looking to accomplish. Additionally, all music notation is written.

How does your knowledge of writing help you be more inclusive of diversity in the classroom?

Writing is how diverse groups of people can communicate their ideas. Thus, if I am having students play a piece written in Brazil, we can read what Brazilians have written about their culture and how they would approach a specific piece or style of music. Additionally, if students have questions for diverse groups of people or styles of music, they can write to the composer or someone from that culture to help gain a more well rounded understanding of the pieces they are working on. Overall, writing is a communication tool that helps to advance inclusivity and diversity in the classroom.