Musicking: noun. Any activity involving or related to music performance, such as performing, listening, rehearsing, or composing. 

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The term musicking was coined by noted musicologist Christopher Small. The idea that any activity that is related to music performance is a form of music making is one that I hold dearly. It is a firm belief that all humans are capable musicians, despite what society tells us. Musicians are not solely the professionals on the stage, or in the recording studio, or the bands that go on tour; they are simply the ones who took their musicianship and found ways to monetize on their talents and passions. But: musicians are also the buskers down in the subway stations playing for quarters; the people we see using 5-gallon buckets as drums on the corners to bring joy to those around them; the children in our schools and in our homes singing and chanting and playing; our families enjoying a good old-fashioned dance party in the living room. Music education surrounds us in so many unexpected ways. The classroom is only one formal way to showcase all that we are capable of as musicians.

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Within the context of the public school system, a well-funded music program is essential to meeting the mission statement of many, if not all, school districts: creating well-rounded lifelong learners. Music in the classroom not only teaches the fundamentals of music literacy (reading and writing musical notation), or how to play quality instruments with proper technique but, rather, it is a discipline that will foster curiosity, perseverance, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.

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The music room is one of controlled chaos. It is loud, yes, but it is joyful. It is a place where students are able to learn at their pace, and where they can feel free to explore their interests and express their true selves, all while not being afraid to take safe risks and feel supported by their classmates and their teacher. Students learn to sing unapologetically with their voice (being tuneful) in a world where autotune and imitation run rampant. They are guided in how to play, care for, and respect various instruments and materials (being beatful). They are exposed to cultures and traditions that they may otherwise never learn about. They experience first hand how to be cooperative partners and to be expressive in dance and movement (being artful). They challenge themselves to learn a new language when reading and writing musical notation. They are not simply students when they are in the music classroom... they are musicians.