Music theory is an essential aspect of any well-rounded musical education.
Just as children learn to write words in addition to read them, they should learn to write the language of music in addition to playing it.
Whether to compose, or gain a basic understanding of the language.
But, we have a problem here...guilt by association.
In my earlier days of teaching, I assigned written theory on the regular. But, the assignments were never completed.
And I mean, never.
Maybe one student out of 50 would complete their music theory assignment for the week...it was that rough.
The reason? It felt too much like homework to the kids...so they didn't want to do it.
And there it is. Guilt by association...association with homework.
The concept of homework is a valid one. An opportunity for students to reinforce their learning at school by getting more practice at home.
But, there are a couple problems with homework.
First, the students have their classes at school every day. That's their practice, essentially. And they're getting plenty of it already.
When they have to practice math at school, and then practice it more at home, then it becomes a chore.
The other problem is that homework comes with grades and penalties. If students don't do it, there will be consequences.
And so, homework becomes not a reinforcement of learning...but a requirement to continue living. (He said only slightly sarcastically.)
With the associations of homework, we have two challenges as educators (music and otherwise).
The first, to find ways to help students reinforce their learning in new and exciting ways. Ways that they would never associate with "typical homework."
And the second, to redefine how we as a country do homework altogether.
Because if the goal of homework is to reinforce a love of learning, we're failing miserably.
