The Culture of Music

One of my favorite aspects of teaching music is how this art form connects with each of us in such a personal way. Music is unique in its seamless ability to act as a universal language, transcending borders, cultures, and age groups. It can touch us in countless ways—helping us heal, moving us to tears, communicating emotions that words cannot capture, or causing us to dance uncontrollably without explanation. The power of music to unite people has always amazed me, both as a listener and a performer.

For these reasons, I believe music is the most culturally responsive subject in education. By its very nature, music reflects and adapts to diverse cultures. The foundations of American music are rooted in the fusion of Western harmonies and African rhythms. Over the course of history, as waves of immigration brought new cultural influences, music became a lens through which these contributions enriched our society. Personally, I am continually inspired by how music helps me make sense of our ever-changing world.

As an educator, I value the opportunity to connect music and history in my teaching practices. One lesson that stands out to me—especially in January—is "How a Bill Becomes a Law," from the excellent TeachRock database. This lesson allows teachers to explore the workings of the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the U.S. government while tracing how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday became a national holiday. It also highlights the crucial role of popular culture, particularly the efforts of Stevie Wonder, in advancing this cause.

Using this framework, I guide my students through a composition project on SoundTrap, employing specific loops and rhythmic patterns. (This lesson can work equally well with other DAW programs available in schools.) To deepen the connection between Dr. King’s legacy and creative expression, I have students read his iconic I Have a Dream speech. Each student selects a paragraph that resonates with them, records themselves speaking it, and incorporates the audio into their composition.

I’m always impressed by the work my students produce through this project. Even more rewarding, however, is the feedback I’ve received from countless students and colleagues about its impact. If you’re looking for an engaging, cross-disciplinary project, I encourage you to try it in your own classroom, regardless of subject area.

Wishing you well,

Kevin