WALDORF SCHOOLS MUSIC EDUCATION APPROACH AS INSPIRATION FOR WORK IN OTHER CONTEXTS

Abstract

Brazil has, since 2008, been the seat of heated debates on putting music back into public and private schools. Recent legislation (Law 11.769) declared music a required subject in all Brazilian schools from preschool through high school. Much has been discussed, however, as to the professionals who will take on this challenge, the methodology and content involved as well as the role of music in the schools. Here, I present some personal observations and reflections based on experiences during my career as a music educator in a Waldorf school as well as a professor in Music Education programs at two universities in São Paulo State. In supervising student teachers or giving pedagogy courses, I am witness to innumerous queries from musicians and music educators having to do with the return of music to the schools. This paper describes the intent the music education curriculum used inside Waldorf schools. Waldorf education in Brazil has an over 50-year history since its beginnings in 1955. The many trails already forged offer possibilities and recommendations for Music Education both in traditional schools as well as in educational social programs. This text offers a brief description of Waldorf pedagogy and will describe the music curriculum used from preschool through high school. I also discuss the human formation of teachers, of their knowledge, abilities, attitudes and skills. Finally, I present suggestions for possible applications of these experiences for music education in other contexts.