Two internationally renowned music philosophers will return to University of Lynchburg this month for public lectures about the important role that music plays in school and life.
Dr. David J. Elliott and Dr. Marissa Silverman will present “Why should we care about music education?” on Thursday, October 29, in Sydnor Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. The presentation will address the benefits of music education and the importance of incorporating music into schools’ curricula. The event is free and open to the public, as well as LC students, faculty, and staff.
On Friday, October 30, at 5 p.m., Dr. Elliott will speak about “Making composition accessible, achievable, and valuable,” a presentation for in-service and pre-service music teachers, in the West Room of Dysdale Student Center. Seating is limited. Teachers can reserve a seat by contacting LC music professor Dr. Kara Dean at dean.k@lynchburg.edu by October 15, 2015.
Dr. Elliott and Dr. Silverman also will interact with LC students in workshops on each day.
The husband-and-wife team are the authors of “Music Matters: A Philosophy of Music Education,” a seminal textbook about the questions: Why is music significant in life and education? What shall we teach? How? To whom? Where and when? The book offers an integrated sociocultural, artistic, participatory, and ethics-based concept of the natures and values of music education.
LC hosted the philosophers several years ago and invited them to return and continue the discussion this year.
The public schools in Central Virginia have dynamic education programs, and Dr. Dean said it is good to reflect on the valuable role that music plays in the lives of young people — and the importance of strengthening music education programs. “Music develops a person as a human being, not just as an artist,” she said. “Music is important in its own right, but music education also helps people develop self-discipline, self-esteem, and enjoyment. We are delighted to have Dr. Elliott and Dr. Silverman discuss the importance of music education with students, teachers, and other members of the community.”
