Look at What Adrian Music Students Think

At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, we put together a short survey for Adrian music students - 7th through 12th grade band, choir and orchestra members.
 
We wanted to know what they like about their music education, which aspects could be improved, what they learned while studying music during the past year, and which additional activities they’d enjoy in the coming years. 

The Positives

“Playing or singing gives me the opportunity to express myself.” For Adrian students, that’s the most popular benefit of music education. 

Others include: working as a group, learning new things, and the stress relief that playing music brings. Several students also said they enjoy the accomplishment of mastering a new song or performing well during a concert.

The Negatives

The most popular reply: “Not everyone takes music seriously, pays attention or has the right attitude.” Others wrote that “students talk too much or interrupt others during class.” 

While many noted that practicing at home and sight reading are not enjoyable, learning to do both well are keys to improving as musicians. 

The Lessons

Even though many of our young musicians aren’t fond of sight reading, they feel that it’s the skill that they improved upon most this year. 

They also learned that singing and playing music well require persistence; that they need to practice every day. 

They continue to discover the importance of working as a group, music theory, incorporating dynamics into their playing, and that music is meant to be an emotional expression. 

More, Please

Our survey question about “additional activities you’d like to see” included a list of possible answers. The favorite by far was “more music-related field trips.” 

The students would also like more opportunities to perform, as well as guest speakers and musicians, more instruction on music theory, and information on music careers. 

The Thoughts

Several of the students shared personal insight about their music education with us. Many of the responses are quite touching.
 
"I love playing my instrument." - Aliya Flores / 7th Grade Orchestra

"The feeling of playing music is amazing." - Nick Jackson / 7th Grade Orchestra

"I enjoy music and could play for hours." - Kira Proffitt / 8th Grade Orchestra

"I would absolutely love to be a performer in musicals." - Anna McRobert / Bel Canto

"Being open-minded and having an open heart helps when you have to work with other people." - Naomi Joyner / Freshmen Choir

"Coming to choir class brightens my day." - Shania Beevers / Concert Choir

"I enjoy singing because it makes me feel free." - Kaylee Heroy / Concert Choir

"I would love to be able to be a professional performer in the future." - Zach Arnold / Concert Choir

"I love to sing and I love the music." - Ashante Tindall / Lady Blues

"I enjoy the sound of the clarinet. The feeling of improving is immensely rewarding." - Aidan French / Symphonic Band

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