Children are born artists. They are more sensitive to musical nuance than many musicians. Yet the common notion in our field seems to be that artistry is in the realm of the select ensemble rather than the general music classroom or non-auditioned chorus. We readily accept that the collective imagination of most any group of children can become lost in a story, taken in by every detail. Yet, as a field, we seem to find it hard to believe that the collective musical imagination of most any group of children can become equally lost in music, taken in by every nuance. Our field further separates classroom music from the choral context, yet children can and should sing beautifully in both settings.
Artistry is sheer musicality, and it is the birthright of every child. All ages are moved by the energy of the line, by the expression of musicality, by the wonder of the art—the same power that drew us into this field. It is time for a new paradigm in classroom music and the non-select chorus—one in which every group of children becomes a community of artists, making exciting music. It is time that we transform music skills into exciting music making at every age and stage of development, with musicality as the driving force.
