Frequently Asked Questions

Coalition for Music in Education in BC

British Columbia

ISSUES

The Challenge

• See the K-7 Music IRP for British Columbia or visit http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/fak7/fak7toc.htm Scroll half way down the page to find the music seciton
  

• The IRP for 8-10 can be viewed here http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/music810/mutoc.htm
  

• The IRP for 10-12 Composition and Technology can be viewed here http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/mus1112/mustoc.htm
  

• The IRP for 10-12 Choral Music and Instrumental Music can be viewed here http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/music1112_ci.pdf
  

• According to recent scientific research on the effect of music learning at a young age, exposure to structured musical training may result in significant brain development. While the research is still inconclusive, we do know that early instruction in music will make you smarter in music and may have a positive effect on a child’s spatial intelligence. Many British Columbia children are receiving little or no formal music instruction in public schools even though music instruction is mandated by the Ministry of Education’s K-7 Fine Arts curriculum.
  

• Sequential music learning is rare in most Elementary schools unless there is at least one music specialist in the school, full time, to provide the music instruction in a consistent manner.
  

• School district personnel officers and school administrators need to re-consider their stance on not hiring music specialists for their elementary schools. Most generalist teachers are unable to deliver the K-7 Fine Arts (music) curriculum due to a lack of formal music training. Music is a unique subject because of the multitude of skills one must have in order to deal with K-7 students. Unless a teacher is comfortable with their own music skills, music instruction will be either poorly taught or not taught at all.
  

• QUALITY MUSIC EDUCATION for our children is being compromised because of short-sighted staffing decisions.
  

• Secondary school timetabling decisions impact music education programs significantly. Music performance classes must be taught throughout the year - not just for a semester or a quarter. QUALITY MUSIC EDUCATION for our children is being compromised because of illogical scheduling decisions.
  

We Can Help Each Other

• Use the resources on our website to help support your school music programs.
  

• Let us know if there is a music program in your community that needs support. We will offer our assistance and suggestions.
  

• Given enough notice time, we can provide a guest speaker for your next meeting or rally. Supporting music education in your community is our number one goal.
  

• Members can borrow the "Oscar Peterson - Music For Every Child" or "Why Music?" videos.
  

• We regularly communicate with educational decision makers about the value of music education. Support us to continue this work. In the past few months we have, for example, met with the BCTF, Universities, the College of Teachers, and the Deputy Minister of Education.
  

• We are actively building the provincial parent music advocacy network. If you are a parent, join us. Form a local association.