American Idol in the music classroom?
March 10th, 2006 by etobias
A recent article in the Christian Science Monitor looked at some perspectives of how American Idol has impacted music classrooms. It was interesting to read some of the quotes by various music teachers, though it seemed to focus mostly on the performance aspect of music education and the show. I posted my response to some questions posed by the National Association for Music Education about this topic a couple of months ago on my personal blog. I wonder what impact the show will have in music classrooms after a longer period of time?
my answer to your question is this: I have a feeling that this may have a good impact on music in the classroom later on in time. I believe that it will give children the drive to want to perform. Even if it is pop music, or hip hop, at least the children are wanting to perform. Then the schoo’s job would be done if they show children that classical music is fun to perform also. That way we can keep young children interested in learning an instrument in school, and may be able to save a few children music programs that could have been cut, if this show had not had such an impact on schools.