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experience from the conducting symposium. This handout, combined with our discussions, has
influenced my philosophy of music education. McMurray shares some important parts of his
philosophy of rehearsing in the first section of the handout. The main aspects of his philosophy
that stand out to me are the following: (1) a rehearsal must unite the performers, (2) every
rehearsal must have the potential to create beauty, and (3) rehearsals must focus on whats
These are very powerful statements, and they have impacted my perception of teaching
music. I will do my best to create opportunities for my students to make musical decisions as a
group, without relying on me to constantly tell them how to play each phrase. This will help them
feel united, foster stronger relationships and teamwork, and promote an atmosphere where
everyone feels valued and important to the group (Maslow). It will also prepare them for
transitioning into making music in outside of school because they will be able to become more
independent musicians who are comfortable making musical decisions themselves and with
McMurrays statement about the importance of creating beauty through music in every
rehearsal has strongly impacted my philosophy (Reimer). This statement has helped me realize
the importance of focusing on the beauty of music in every rehearsal so that each rehearsal can
be an enriching musical experience for every student. Although I do emphasize beauty and
musical expression, I realized that in the past, I have often focused on technique (playing
correct notes and rhythms) for large parts of my rehearsals (especially when we are first
learning a piece), and sometimes I didnt focus enough on the emotive aspects of the music
on ways to encourage listening within an ensemble. I will emphasize the importance of listening
much more during rehearsals, because I believe that students will be able to develop a better
appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of music, and they will have more enriching musical
experiences if they are listening to the ways that all of the parts fit together.
Finally, McMurrays statement that rehearsals must focus on what is right as well as
what needs to be altered is relevant to my teaching practice. This statement has reinforced my
belief that positive reinforcement (Skinner, Thorndike) and encouragement are important
aspects of creating a supportive and safe space (Maslow) in which all students feel comfortable