B.J.+--+Jamie+Harrmann

Letter of Introduction (posted January 20) Hello Brooklynn! Honestly, I don’t even know what to write. So question: doesn’t writing this introduction letter kind of remind you of “You’ve Got Mail”? Such a cheesy and old movie, and who even has AOL anymore anyway? Oh yeah, I tend to get off on tangents, my bad. So what do I want you to know about me? Let’s see. My name is Jamie and I’m a senior, obviously at Drake, with an English and Politics double major. Yeah, I guess that makes me kind of an overachiever. Anyway, I love reading anything and everything. Oh, and I like following and learning about politics just so I know what Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart are talking about on their shows. But, let’s face it, half the stuff they say on their shows are written by someone other then them, hence the other reason for the English part of my major. I hope to one day be a screenwriter or playwright, for something similar to the “infotainment” shows of Stewart and Colbert. Moving on, I wouldn’t call myself an awesome writer. Therefore, this semester I hope to gain some confidence in my writing and you’re going to help me with that. Okay? Okay. I have no idea how, but somehow it’s going to happen (so I’m told). My problem is I am always scared that no one is going to like it or understand what I am trying to show through my writing. Common problem, I know, but it still bothers me. If you have the same issue, feel free to let me know! We’ll work through it (supposedly). Just kidding. I hope. Anyway, beyond not having much confidence in my writing, I would have to say my biggest challenge as a writer is writing an introduction to any work. Usually I know what I am going to write about, but I can never seem to find the write words to begin with. Or, the intro sounds ridiculously cliché. As for the hurdle, I’d say I have basically abolished the fear of “the 10+ page assignment”. How did I overcome this hurdle? Basically by realizing that I like to talk a lot, so I figured I might as well talk a lot through my writing. But, of course it has to make sense and not just be a huge rant in the middle that has absolutely nothing to do with the paper. As a hint from me to you, don’t do that. Teachers really don’t like it, and if you think they aren’t reading your entire paper, they usually are. All in all, I hope I didn’t bore you to death or freak you out in any way, shape or form, and I’m glad we get to meet soon! Jamie Victoria Harrmann

Jamie, I would first like to apologize for being so terribly late on this. I promise I'm not usually late at all, let alone on assignments. I hate excuses, so I'll just tell you that I left my computer at a friends house Friday night and am now just getting it back. But anyway, my name is Brooklynn ; I am seventeen years old, and a junior at Roosevelt high school. I'm really excited to work with you. I too, am not very comfortable with my writing. I'm terrible at explaining anything, so my fear is that I write this ten page paper but no one ever knows what I'm talking about because I also love to ramble and I'm sure it never makes sense. But specifically, I am terrible at creating tone, and my writing is always extremely boring and I would really like to work with that. Usually I don't have any trouble starting a piece of writing, but I lose momentum as I go and the ending is always garbage. Hopefully we can work on that. And for example, here's the part where I have little left to say, but have no idea how to gracefully end this letter. I'm really excited to meet you! -Brooklynn Jacobs


 * Personal Reflection on Topic of Inquiry ** (posted **RHS** January 27 -- **171** January 29)

When other girls in my second grade class wanted to be doctors and lawyers, and the boys wanted to be police or fire men, I wanted to be Aretha Franklin. I wanted nothing more than to stand on stage singing out lines of love and heartbreak. It didn’t matter that at the age of 8 I knew nothing of either subject, but what mattered was that I knew I had the perfect Diana Ross curls to flip around and the energy to do it for hours. Even today at the more practical age of 17, I could never imagine how anyone could want to work a normal nine to five job, in the same room, every day until retirement. I always knew that I would end up being some kind of face of music.

Music may be the only consistent thing the world has left. However much it evolves and reshapes, and however the faces of music changes, there is the simple fact that with a beat, and a great hook, you can bring a teenage girl with a taste for strange, foreign music alongside a radical Muslim, or a stereotypical goth kid with a clean cut ballerina. Music can bring peace or panic to a group, meaning the difference between a protest and a riot. Music has more power than people stop to realize.

I love music because it just might be one of the most underappreciated driving forces of our world. It both intrigues me and baffles me why it is so under viewed. I don’t understand why people feel the need to censor the self-expression of lyrics, or the underlying message of religion in music, and I refuse to accept the fact that school music programs have to fundraise year round for uniforms, but the football team gets busses to every game. So, in conclusion, I plan to focus on the subject of music in the writing assignments I’ll be getting this semester. I don’t expect this to be an easy subject, but there is nothing else I can think of that I am more passionate about.

Hello Brooklynn!

To begin with, I feel your pain about the lack of funding towards arts in schools. I grew up in a musical family (Dad plays trumpet, Mom plays piano, I played flute and trombone) and I always wondered why our jazz band members always had to drive ourselves to events while no other activity did.

Getting back on track though, I really like the image you produce in the opening paragraph. You give me enough material to imagine a girl on stage dancing around and singing. As for the last sentence, is there a specific kind of genre of music you are leaning toward going into? Instead of saying “some kind of face of music” maybe provide what genre you really want to be a “face” of. I’m interested to know!

Your emotions of the second paragraph show me that the power music has is definitely something you’ve thought about. Sometimes emotions take over and lengthy sentences appear, so just watch out for those. In this case, it would be “However much it evolves and reshapes, and however the faces of music changes, there is the simple fact that with a beat, and a great hook, you can bring a teenage girl with a taste for strange, foreign music alongside a radical Muslim, or a stereotypical goth kid with a clean cut ballerina .” Otherwise, I like the imagery and emotion conveyed a lot.

In the final paragraph, what do you mean by music being “under viewed”? Do you mean no one pays attention to the power it has? Or does it have to do with being censored or having religious messages? These are just a few questions to think about to help me understand what you are portraying.

As a final note, you create strong imagery within your writing that I really enjoy. I can definitely tell music is something you are passionate about through the images and emotions your writing produces and I can’t wait to read your next one and meet you!

Rough Draft **Definition** (posted **RHS** February 3 -- **171** February 5)

As a self-proclaimed music snob, there is nothing worse to hear than “I like music” from someone with no clue. A real music lover isn’t afraid to admit that they love music. They eat, sleep, breath, and more importantly, the understand music. Music might seem like a simple idea, but it isn’t until you understand what it does that you realize its importance. Music is more than a set of sounds that make you dance, but it’s also a manipulator – able to alter a person’s mood by something as simple as a key change. Music is a medicine, aiding anyone from anxiety patients to autistic children. Most importantly, music is a connector of people --- an instant community creator. It’s hard for me to imagine just liking music. Surely these people who only “like” music just don’t know all that it does.

In high school I began to learn about music theory. It was amazing to me that something with so many rules could be so enjoyable. No one ever stops to think that their favorite pop song started on a scale, written on either the Major or Minor scale. On that scale there had to be a key signature, and notes with the proper dictation. There had to be notes and scales for the cool beats in the background. What’s most amazing of all is that all these rules were decided in the times of the ancient Greek, and have more than outlasted the test of time. Without these rules, also known as music theory, there could be no music. It may start with theory, but the way the composer uses it, that is really important. Music is written to evoke emotions. The composer has the power to bring a crowd to laughter, or tears by only changing the tempo. Just as a writer evokes emotion with his words, a composer tells the listener what to feel just by changing the mood of the song. This gives the average composer the power to manipulate groups of people into feeling and doing what they want.

There is a whole medicine field dedicated to the power of music. In music therapy, the manipulative power of music is used to calm or excite patients as desired – using only the emotions that comes from the reactions of the music as the medicine. There is no need to test the music for fear of side effects, because there are none. Music acts only with the brain waves, meaning the worst thing that could happen is losing oneself to the music in public and causing a little dancing. But ultimately that could be controlled too, because there is no chemical drug in music. The best part of using music as a medicine is that music is not a chemical drug. Music cannot render one incoherent, one can listen to music and operate heavy machinery, and I’ve never heard of somebody losing their house and home due to addiction to music – because music is not a narcotic. Although it isn’t a narcotic, or crazy drug, it is still strong enough to calm down and comfort the autistic. Although it is powerful, anyone can afford it. The freedom to sing and express oneself through sound is 100% free. It’s free to turn on the radio and listen to all the top hits one can handle. Anyone can make music, and one can listen to music, and everyone can enjoy music, all for nothing but the enjoyment of music itself.

Most importantly of all, music means community. Music can bring people together in many different ways. There is no easier bond than those between musicians. The simple grounds of passion for creating music and sharing it with each other are more than enough for an instant friendship. Music artists make their living by putting on concerts, a way to bring people of many different walks of life into one room for one reason; to enjoy music. That fandom won’t just stay in that room, they’ll go out to the world, advertising the music with t-shirts. They’ll come together online in chat rooms, bringing friends together from across country to enjoy music as one. Music festivals will bring these people together to enjoy and expose them to new bands in a never ending cycle.

Music is such a basic part of life, people forget to stop and think about all that it is. But to someone who chooses to live music, it’s so much more than come chords and a beat. It is more important than just sound or a hobby. A true music lover knows that music is the complex theory that has lasted millions of years. Music is the power to mold human feelings with compositions, or calm the autistic. Music is in the world around us, and to musicians, music is the reason we have friends. Music is more than what you hear on the radio. Music is a way of life.



Revision **Definition** (posted **RHS** February 10 -- **171** February 12 ) A real music lover isn’t afraid to admit that they love music. They eat; sleep, breath, and more importantly, they understand music. As a music lover myself, there is nothing more baffling to hear than “I like music” from someone who can only claim to know what music is. Surely these people who only “like” music just don’t know all that it does. Music might seem like a simple idea, but it isn’t until you understand how many things it is able to do, that you realize its importance. Music is more than a set of sounds that make you dance, but it’s also a manipulator – able to alter a person’s mood by something as simple as a key change. Music is a medicine, aiding anyone from anxiety patients to autistic children. Most importantly, music is a connector of people --- an instant community creator. It’s hard for me to imagine just liking music. In high school I began to learn about music theory. It was amazing to me that something with so many rules could be so enjoyable. No one ever stops to think that their favorite pop song started on a blank scale. On that scale there had to be a key signature, and notes with the proper dictation. There had to be notes and scales for the cool beats in the background. What’s most amazing of all is that all these rules were decided in the times of the ancient Greek, and have more than outlasted the test of time. Without these rules, also known as music theory, there could be no music. It may start with theory, but the way the composer uses it, that is really important. Music is written to evoke emotions. The composer has the power to bring a crowd to laughter, or tears by only changing the tempo. Just as a writer evokes emotion with his words, a composer tells the listener what to feel just by changing the mood of the song. This gives the average composer the power to manipulate groups of people into feeling and doing what they want. There is a whole medicine field dedicated to the study of music as a drug. In the case of music therapy, music is a drug used to calm or excite patients as desired – using only the emotions that result from the reactions that music cause, making it a completely chemical free drug. There is no need for extensive safety warnings, because there are no physical side effects to music. The best part of using music as a drug is that it doesn’t hold the harm that heavy medicines can. Music cannot take over the body, or render one incoherent, one can listen to music and operate heavy machinery, and I’ve never heard of somebody losing their house and home due to addiction to music – because music is not a narcotic. Although it isn’t a narcotic, or crazy name brand drug, it is still strong enough to calm down and comfort the mentally ill. Although it is a powerful medicine, anyone can afford it. The freedom to sing and express oneself through sound is 100% free. It’s free to turn on the radio and listen to all the top hits one can handle. Anyone can make music, and one can listen to music, and everyone can enjoy music, all for nothing but the enjoyment of music itself. Most importantly of all, music means community. Music can bring people together in many different ways. There is no easier bond than those between musicians. Because the musician mind is so unique it’s quite hard to match it, unless you are a musician yourself. The simple grounds of passion for creating music and sharing it with each other are more than enough for an instant friendship. Music artists make their living by putting on concerts, a way to bring people of many different walks of life into one room for one reason; to enjoy music. That fandom won’t just stay in that room, they’ll go out to the world, advertising the music with t-shirts. They’ll come together online in chat rooms, bringing friends together from across country to enjoy music as one. Music festivals will bring these people together to enjoy and expose them to new bands in a never ending cycle. Music is such a basic part of life, people forget to stop and think about all that it is. Music is so versatile, it is easy to overlook all of its jobs. Music is so much more than come chords and a beat. It is more important than just sound or a hobby. Music is the complex theory that has lasted millions of years. Music is the power to mold human feelings with variations in compositions, or calm the mentally ill. Music is in the world around us, and to musicians, music is the reason we have friends. Music is more than what you hear on the radio. Music is a way of life.


 * __Response ...__ **

A real music lover isn’t afraid to admit that they love music. They eat; sleep, breath, and more importantly, they understand music. As a music lover myself, there is nothing more baffling to hear than “I like music” from someone who can only claim to know what music is. Surely these people who only “like” music just don’t know all that it does. Music might seem like a simple idea, but it isn’t until you understand how many things it is able to do, that you realize its importance. Music is more than a set of sounds that make you dance, but it’s also a manipulator – able to alter a person’s mood by something as simple as a key change. Music is a medicine, aiding anyone from anxiety patients to autistic children. Most importantly, music is a connector of people --- an instant community creator. It’s hard for me to imagine just liking music. In high school I began to learn about music theory. It was amazing to me that something with so many rules could be so enjoyable. No one ever stops to think that their favorite pop song started on a blank scale. On that scale there had to be a key signature, and notes with the proper dictation. There had to be notes and scales for the cool beats in the background. **Is it only the cool beats in the backgrounds that follow these rules, or do all the layers of music (the bass beats, the catchy tune, the actual signing) follow the rules?** What’s most amazing of all is that all these rules were decided in the times of the ancient Greek, and have more than outlasted the test of time. Without these rules, also known as music theory, there could be no music. It may start with theory, but the way the composer uses it, that is really important. Music is written to evoke emotions. The composer has the power to bring a crowd to laughter, or tears by only changing the tempo. **How does the tempo change the emotion of the “crowd” from laughter to tears? Is it just the tempo or do other factors like the type of notes or the loudness of the music also play a role?** Just as a writer evokes emotion with his words, a composer tells the listener what to feel just by changing the mood of the song. This gives the average composer the power to manipulate groups of people into feeling and doing what they want. There is a whole medicine field dedicated to the study of music as a drug. In the case of music therapy, music is a drug used to calm or excite patients as desired – using only the emotions that result from the reactions that music cause, making it a completely chemical free drug. There is no need for extensive safety warnings, because there are no physical side effects to music. The best part of using music as a drug is that it doesn’t hold the harm that heavy medicines can. Music cannot take over the body, or render one incoherent, one can listen to music and operate heavy machinery, and I’ve never heard of somebody losing their house and home due to addiction to music – because music is not a narcotic. Although it isn’t a narcotic, or crazy name brand drug, it is still strong enough to calm down and comfort the mentally ill. **How does it comfort, or calm, the mentally ill? Could you provide an example that you know of how it can comfort? Also, what do you mean by "mentally ill"? Does it affect a person with depression the same way as one with autism?** Although it is a powerful medicine, anyone can afford it. The freedom to sing and express oneself through sound is 100% free. It’s free to turn on the radio and listen to all the top hits one can handle. Anyone can make music, and one can listen to music, and everyone can enjoy music, all for nothing but the enjoyment of music itself. Most importantly of all, music means community. Music can bring people together in many different ways. There is no easier bond than those between musicians. Because the musician mind is so unique it’s quite hard to match it, unless you are a musician yourself. The simple grounds of passion for creating music and sharing it with each other are more than enough for an instant friendship. Music artists make their living by putting on concerts, a way to bring people of many different walks of life into one room for one reason; to enjoy music. That fandom won’t just stay in that room, they’ll go out to the world, advertising the music with t-shirts. They’ll come together online in chat rooms, bringing friends together from across country to enjoy music as one. Music festivals will bring these people together to enjoy and expose them to new bands in a never ending cycle. Music is such a basic part of life, people forget to stop and think about all that it is. Music is so versatile, it is easy to overlook all of its jobs. Music is so much more than come **Oops!** chords and a beat. It is more important than just sound or a hobby. Music is the complex theory that has lasted millions of years. Music is the power to mold human feelings with variations in compositions, or calm the mentally ill. Music is in the world around us, and to musicians, music is the reason we have friends. Music is more than what you hear on the radio. Music is a way of life.

**Brooklynn, your definition of music is comprehensible and clear. I get how you start with the different parts of music and then move on to explain how music as a whole affects others. There are places where you are free to expand though, just to add a little support. For example, you mention that music affects emotion by a simple tempo change, could you provide an example of how, or possibly what tempo is associated with laughter and what one is associated with tears? Also, how does music effect the mentally ill, and does it affect all those who are mentally ill in the same way? These are some questions for you to consider for you final draft next time. Can't wait to read the finished product! Jamie V.**

Final **Definition** (posted **RHS** February 17 -- **171** February 19 )

Real music lovers are not afraid to admit that they love music. They eat, sleep, breath – and more importantly – understand music. As a music lover, there is nothing more baffling than to hear “I like music” from someone who can only claim to know what music is. Surely these people who only “like” music do not know all that it does. Music might seem like a simple idea, but it is not until it is fully comprehended how many things music able to do, that one may realize its importance. Music is more than a set of sounds that create the impulse to dance, but it is also a manipulator – able to alter one's mood by something as simple as an unexpected note or climax. Music is a medicine, powerful enough to work without chemicals. Most importantly, music is a connector of people - an instant community creator. For a self-diagnosed music addict, the concept of simply liking music is difficult to imagine.

In high school they began to offer music theory. An opportunity such as this would be outrageous to pass up. It is amazing that something with so many rules can be so enjoyable. Theory is mostly known to go with classical music. At first glance the complexity of the sheet music may appear overwhelming enough to alienate the reader; thus, causing music to seem unappealing. No one ever stops to think that their favorite pop songs are written the same way. Started on a blank scale, there had to be a key signature, and notes with the proper dictation. There must have been notes and scales for the cool beats in the background, as well as the guitar or drums, and especially the dramatic piano which holds the melody. What is most amazing of all is that all these rules were decided in the times of the ancient Greek. These rules developed when music was used to worship and celebrate life, in the times of Bach, where music was limited to only what the king wanted to hear. They evolved through to the 60’s as the civil rights groups sang out “We shall overcome”. Ancient Greek rules of music theory still stand today in the pop music of the top 40 radio stations. These rules have held strong in place and have more than outlasted the test of time. Without these rules, also known as music theory, there could be no music.

It may start with theory, but the way the composer uses it, is what is really important. Music is written to provoke emotions. Just as a writer fuels emotion with his words, a composer tells the listener what to feel just by changing the mood of the song. According to research, there is a scientific reasoning why music can be used to cause certain emotions in the listener. When doing a simple experiment, psychologist, John Sloboda found that there was a common trend in songs that gave listeners strong emotions – a note called an appoggiatura. An appoggiatura is one subtle note that clashes with the melody for just a second. This clashing creates a tension in the listener. When the appoggiatura is resolved, and the melody finishes as anticipated, the tension ends, filling the listener with a great feeling of relief. When many appoggiaturas are placed in a row, instead of producing a feel good emotion, it lengthens the tension – often resulting in tears from the listener. This gives the average composer the power to manipulate groups of people into feeling and doing what they want through simply adding an unexpected note.

There is an entire medicine field dedicated to the study of music as a drug. In the case of music therapy, music is a drug used to calm or excite patients as desired – using only the emotions that result from the reactions that music can cause, making it a completely chemical free drug. There is no need for extensive safety warnings, because there are no physical side effects to music. The best part of using music as a drug is that it doesn’t hold the harm that heavy medicines can. Music cannot take over the body, or render one incoherent. One may listen to music and operate heavy machinery. It is unheard of that an individual has lost their home and family due to an addiction to music, because music is not a narcotic. Although it is not a narcotic, or crazy name brand drug, it is still strong enough to calm down and comfort the mentally ill. Although it is a powerful medicine, it is affordable to all classes. The freedom to sing and express oneself through sound is one hundred percent free. It is free to turn on the radio and listen to all the top hits one can handle. Anyone can make music, and there are no restrictions on who may listen. All souls can enjoy music, all for nothing but the enjoyment of music itself.

Most significantly, music represents community. Music brings people together in many different ways. There is no bond more basic than those between musicians – specifically high school musicians. In a time where bonding with your peers is most important, it is easy to find solace in the similar, melodic mind of a music class peer. This allows one to grow, not only as a person through friendship, but as a musician through collaboration. The simple grounds of passion for creating music and sharing it with one another are more than enough for an instant friendship. In their career, music artists make their living by putting on concerts – a way to bring people of many different walks of life into one room for one reason – to enjoy music. That fandom will not just stay in that room, they will go out to the world, advertising the music with t-shirts and other merchandise. They will come together online in chat rooms, bringing friends together from across country to enjoy music as one. Music festivals will bring these people together to enjoy and expose them to new bands in a never ending cycle.

Music is such a basic part of life, people forget to stop and think about all that it is. Music is extremely versatile; it is easy to overlook all of its jobs. Music is much more than a few chords and a beat. It is more important than just sound or hobby. Music is the complex theory that has lasted millions of years. Music is the power to mold human feelings with variations in composition, or calm the mentally ill. Music is in the world around us, and to musicians, music is the reason friendships last or simply even exist. Music is more than the repeated hook replayed daily on the radio. Music is a way of life.

__**A Response ....**__
Real music lovers are not afraid to admit that they love music. They eat, sleep, breath – and more importantly – understand music. As a music lover, there is nothing more baffling than to hear “I like music” from someone who can only claim to know what music is. Surely these people who only “like” music do not know all that it does. Music might seem like a simple idea, but it is not until it is fully comprehended how many things music able to do, that one may realize its importance. Music is more than a set of sounds that create the impulse to dance, but it is also a manipulator – able to alter one's mood by something as simple as an unexpected note or climax. Music is a medicine, powerful enough to work without chemicals. Most importantly, music is a connector of people - an instant community creator. For a self-diagnosed music addict, the concept of simply liking music is difficult to imagine.

In high school they began to offer music theory. An opportunity such as this would be outrageous to pass up. It is amazing that something with so many rules can be so enjoyable. Theory is mostly known to go with classical music. At first glance the complexity of the sheet music may appear overwhelming enough to alienate the reader; thus, causing music to seem unappealing. No one ever stops to think that their favorite pop songs are written the same way. Started on a blank scale, there had to be a key signature, and notes with the proper dictation. There must have been notes and scales for the cool beats in the background, as well as the guitar or drums, and especially the dramatic piano which holds the melody. What is most amazing of all is that all these rules were decided in the times of the ancient Greek. These rules developed when music was used to worship and celebrate life, in the times of Bach, where music was limited to only what the king wanted to hear. They evolved through to the 60’s as the civil rights groups sang out “We shall overcome”. Ancient Greek rules of music theory still stand today in the pop music of the top 40 radio stations. These rules have held strong in place and have more than outlasted the test of time. Without these rules, also known as music theory, there could be no music. **You took the questions I asked you and expanded what you had to create a more in-depth, precise, and coherent statement of what music is made of. Very strong move.**

It may start with theory, but the way the composer uses it, is what is really important. Music is written to provoke emotions. Just as a writer fuels emotion with his words, a composer tells the listener what to feel just by changing the mood of the song. According to research, there is a scientific reasoning why music can be used to cause certain emotions in the listener. When doing a simple experiment, psychologist, John Sloboda found that there was a common trend in songs that gave listeners strong emotions – a note called an appoggiatura. An appoggiatura is one subtle note that clashes with the melody for just a second. This clashing creates a tension in the listener. When the appoggiatura is resolved, and the melody finishes as anticipated, the tension ends, filling the listener with a great feeling of relief. When many appoggiaturas are placed in a row, instead of producing a feel good emotion, it lengthens the tension – often resulting in tears from the listener. This gives the average composer the power to manipulate groups of people into feeling and doing what they want through simply adding an unexpected note. **This paragraph just got a ton more meaningful and interesting by adding the scientific fact. You’ve taught me about appoggiaturas in a very useful and understanding way. I may not be able to pronounce the word, but now I know how the composers are using appoggiaturas to change emotions.**

There is an entire medicine field dedicated to the study of music as a drug. In the case of music therapy, music is a drug used to calm or excite patients as desired – using only the emotions that result from the reactions that music can cause, making it a completely chemical free drug. **Is music used as a drug or in place of a drug? If it is the latter, it would still be considered a medicine, because medicine is the process (or practice) of treatment where as a drug is what is the tool used to treat the ill.** There is no need for extensive safety warnings, because there are no physical side effects to music. The best part of using music as a drug is that it doesn’t hold the harm that heavy medicines can. Music cannot take over the body, or render one incoherent. One may listen to music and operate heavy machinery. It is unheard of that an individual has lost their home and family due to an addiction to music, because music is not a narcotic. Although it is not a narcotic, or crazy name brand drug, it is still strong enough to calm down and comfort the mentally ill. **Could you possibly provide an example of music comforting the mentally ill? For example, does it help someone suffering from depression not be depressed anymore? Does it help other people who may be suffering from autism or Downs Syndrome in the same way?** Although it is a powerful medicine, it is affordable to all classes. The freedom to sing and express oneself through sound is one hundred percent free. It is free to turn on the radio and listen to all the top hits one can handle. Anyone can make music, and there are no restrictions on who may listen. All souls can enjoy music, all for nothing but the enjoyment of music itself.

Most significantly, music represents community. Music brings people together in many different ways. There is no bond more basic than those between musicians – specifically high school musicians. In a time where bonding with your peers is most important, it is easy to find solace in the similar, melodic mind of a music class peer. This allows one to grow, not only as a person through friendship, but as a musician through collaboration. The simple grounds of passion for creating music and sharing it with one another are more than enough for an instant friendship. In their career, music artists make their living by putting on concerts – a way to bring people of many different walks of life into one room for one reason – to enjoy music. That fandom will not just stay in that room, they will go out to the world, advertising the music with t-shirts and other merchandise. They will come together online in chat rooms, bringing friends together from across country to enjoy music as one. Music festivals will bring these people together to enjoy and expose them to new bands in a never ending cycle. **Good analysis of the importance of music as a community builder through friendship in high school and how the community grows through the “fandom”.**

Music is such a basic part of life, people forget to stop and think about all that it is. Music is extremely versatile; it is easy to overlook all of its jobs. Music is much more than a few chords and a beat. It is more important than just sound or hobby. Music is the complex theory that has lasted millions of years. Music is the power to mold human feelings with variations in composition, or calm the mentally ill. Music is in the world around us, and to musicians, music is the reason friendships last or simply even exist. Music is more than the repeated hook replayed daily on the radio. Music is a way of life.


 * Brooklynn, the expansion and revision you have done with your piece is very clear, precise, and interesting. Before handing the work in, I would pay attention to the “music as medicine” paragraph and ask: is music a drug, or used in place of drugs? Then, further down, an example would help provide clarification of the point you are getting at, which I am assuming that it can make a depressed person happy and/or an extremely active child with autism calm. Otherwise, great work!**


 * Reflection #1 ** (posted **RHS** February 20 -- **171** February 22)

So far, this partner editing experiment has been very interesting to me. Usually I would procrastinate a paper until the night before and spit something out and turn it in. With these online turn in dates I'm finding that I have to force myself to do the work and actually put forth effort, expecially since I have a partner who's grade partially depends on me. **Ha, it never actually dawned on me that this is a tool to teach responsibility because we have to rely on each other.** **Good observation!** The topic of inquiry was the easiest part of all these assignments. From the go I was 100% positive that my topic should be music, and I knew how to explain why I had a passion for it and how I knew enough about it to write papers on it. The hardest part was writing a whole definition paper on what exactly music is. I was glad that my partner was able to help me expand on my arguments when I needed input. I also found that my writing partner was very supportive in this writing process. She always made sure to add in positive comments about my paper, while pushing me to make it even better. I'm interested to see how this partnership develops over the rest of the semester. **Brooklynn, glad I could help you with your writing process on this paper and I hope I continue to provide help and be supportive when needed in the future!**

Rough Draft **Comparison** (posted **RHS** February 24 -- **171** February 26 )

Rhevision **Comparison** (posted **RHS** March 2 -- **171** March 4)

In the age of technology that exists now, there is always the need for finding what’s new. Whether it is new technologies, new problems, or new solutions to those problems; it has to be brand new. In the last couple of years, a new approach to medicine has been explored. When medicines are not working, or when medicines are not an option, some doctors have turned to using music as a drug. A good percent of the medical community are skeptical of this practice. It is often hard to understand how exactly the music works in different groups of people – or even why music is the better option than medicine. Music works in a special way that is effective when tailored to specific people without the harmful effects of chemical medicines. When medicines aren’t useful to curing with certain diseases, music can help one cope. When medicines are hard to come by or unattainable due to financial stability, music can be made and used for free, in almost every setting. The initial solution for every illness is medicines. Doctors give an educated guess at the illness and give the proper medication to fix it and hope it works. Often times, doctors give out antibiotics. Like all chemical medicines, antibiotics alter the body to work in a specific way. When a trip to the doctor takes place, the patient almost expects to leave with some form of antibiotics. While it may seem like getting these medicines is the best option to heal quickly and get on with life, this mentality has resulted in the growth of resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria come from the over use of antibiotics and can only be cured by stronger antibiotics. Stronger antibiotics mean worse side effects such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The body cannot build a resistance to music, and it will never cause the extreme side effects that medicines do. Music works directly with the brain to cause emotions such as pleasure and creativity. The music then hits the part of the brain that controls the hypothalamus – the part of the body that controls the heart rate, and repertory system, as well as the stomach and sweat glands – all before one gets a measure into the song. Because the audio waves of music works directly with the brain, the rest of the body won’t grow immune to it, and it won’t cause side effects throughout the body. There are things that even medicines cannot do. In the case of mental health, medicines can only do so much without totally altering the brain and its chemicals, which could do more harm than good. Often doctors – specifically therapist – chose a chemical free approach, and use music is used to heal. Music is often used for rehabilitation and therapy uses. Therapists often use the method of sharing music or teaching their patients – whether they are mentally or physically disabled – to gain a trust. This approach is useful because it is a distraction from the direct reasoning behind the therapy, but it builds a bond between the patient and doctor to promote maximum ability for healing. Often in the cases of autism, the art of self-expression is taught through music. Often, for children with autism self-expression is something that does not come easily – but the ability to find comfort in a song written by someone with the same feelings, or to write a piece to describe it for other people to understand is priceless. People with eating disorders are often taught to play instruments in rehabilitation centers. This tool is used in both one on one and group settings. Just like sharing music on a doctor patient bases, sharing music is the group settings cant promote stronger bonds, and a more pleasurable healing process. The biggest thing that is taken for granted in medicine is everyone’s right to it. For some people, medical insurance is a reality because of the financial burden it implies, Families living pay check to pay check are not going to want to pay for something that isn’t guaranteed to be useful. Some people just don’t like doctors, and would rather self-heal than visit a doctor. The patient’s mental mentality is a vital factor to the process of healing, as well as staying healthy. Having bright, cheerful, and up beat music in one’s life promotes healthy and happy thinking. One’s financial stability does not get to dictate whether they get to enjoy music or not. Having the financial freedom to enjoy the medicine that could be detrimental to one’s health means all the difference. There are many arguments for and against using music as a medicine. The truth is, it couldn’t possibly hurt. Music aids the medicine in some cases, calming the body down to make it more receptive to healing chemicals. Sometimes music goes beyond the use of medicines in other cases, mostly in therapeutic settings using music as a mental tool towards healthy living. The question shouldn’t be on if music is really effective, but how doctors can make its use more effective. Patients should have the full right to choose music as a medicine regardless if it is because they want a chemical free option, or because they simply cannot afford the pricey chemical route. Doctors shouldn’t be weary of music but embrace that there is a new approach to natural medicines.

=**__Response ...__**=

In the age of technology that exists now, there is always the need for finding what’s new. Whether it is new technologies, new problems, or new solutions to those problems; it has to be brand new. In the last couple of years, a new approach to medicine has been explored. When medicines are not working, or when medicines are not an option, some doctors have turned to using music as a drug. **This is the only place you mention technology in the paper,** **is there a link between technology and music? In specific, what is the link between technology and music as a medicine?** A good percent of the medical community are skeptical of this practice. It is often hard to understand how exactly the music works in different groups of people – or even why music is the better option than medicine. Music works in a special way that is effective when tailored to specific people without the harmful effects of chemical medicines. When medicines aren’t useful to curing with certain diseases, music can help one cope.When medicines are hard to come by or unattainable due to financial stability, music can be made and used for free, in almost every setting.

The initial solution for every illness is medicines. Doctors give an educated guess at the illness and give the proper medication to fix it and hope it works. Often times, doctors give out antibiotics. Like all chemical medicines, antibiotics alter the body to work in a specific way. **Do all medicines alter the body? How do medicines alter the body?**When a trip to the doctor takes place, the patient almost expects to leave with some form of antibiotics. While it may seem like getting these medicines is the best option to heal quickly and get on with life, this mentality has resulted in the growth of resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria come from the over use of antibiotics and can only be cured by stronger antibiotics. Stronger antibiotics mean worse side effects such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The body cannot build a resistance to music, and it will never cause the extreme side effects that medicines do. **How does music help to heal cancer, or any other non-neurological ailments to the body?** Music works directly with the brain to cause emotions such as pleasure and creativity. The music then hits the part of the brain that controls the hypothalamus – the part of the body that controls the heart rate, and repertory system, as well as the stomach and sweat glands – all before one gets a measure into the song. **How does the hypothalamus help heal? Does it help heal? Why is the link between music and the hypothalamus important?** Because the audio waves of music works directly with the brain, the rest of the body won’t grow immune to it, and it won’t cause side effects throughout the body.

There are things that even medicines cannot do. In the case of mental health, medicines can only do so much without totally altering the brain and its chemicals, which could do more harm than good. Often doctors – specifically therapist – chose a chemical free approach, and use music is used to heal. Music is often used for rehabilitation and therapy uses. Therapists often use the method of sharing music or teaching their patients – whether they are mentally or physically disabled – to gain a trust**.** **How does music promote trust? What kind of trust? Trust between the patient and doctor or trust between the patient and other actors of society?** This approach is useful because it is a distraction from the direct reasoning behind the therapy, but it builds a bond between the patient and doctor to promote maximum ability for healing. Often in the cases of autism, the art of self-expression is taught through music. Often, for children with autism self-expression is something that does not come easily – but the ability to find comfort in a song written by someone with the same feelings, or to write a piece to describe it for other people to understand is priceless. People with eating disorders are often taught to play instruments in rehabilitation centers. This tool is used in both one on one and group settings. Just like sharing music on a doctor patient bases, sharing music is the group settings cant promote stronger bonds, and a more pleasurable healing process. **Sharing music can’t promote stronger bonds?**

The biggest thing that is taken for granted in medicine is everyone’s right to it. For some people, medical insurance is a reality because of the financial burden it implies, **Do people need insurance to see a therapist? Do people need a therapist to use music as a calming device?** Families living pay check to pay check are not going to want to pay for something that isn’t guaranteed to be useful. **What isn’t guaranteed to be useful? What does “it” refer to, music, therapy or insurance?** Some people just don’t like doctors, and would rather self-heal than visit a doctor. The patient’s mental mentality is a vital factor to the process of healing, as well as staying healthy. Having bright, cheerful, and up beat music in one’s life promotes healthy and happy thinking. One’s financial stability does not get to dictate whether they get to enjoy music or not. Having the financial freedom to enjoy the medicine that could be detrimental to one’s health means all the difference. **How would a person who has never seen a therapist before get to know that music can be used for self-healing? Are there ways to educate people about it?**

There are many arguments for and against using music as a medicine. The truth is, it couldn’t possibly hurt. Music aids the medicine in some cases, calming the body down to make it more receptive to healing chemicals. **How do medicines and music work together? Can the two healing tools be used together?** Sometimes music goes beyond the use of medicines in other cases, mostly in therapeutic settings using music as a mental tool towards healthy living. The question shouldn’t be on if music is really effective, but how doctors can make its use more effective. Patients should have the full right to choose music as a medicine regardless if it is because they want a chemical free option, or because they simply cannot afford the pricey chemical route. Doctors shouldn’t be weary of music but embrace that there is a new approach to natural medicines.


 * Hello Brooklynn! I like that you chose to compare music and medicines. I’ve just provided some questions on specifics that will give you some metaphorical streets to walk down, and I like the chunk of writing you’ve already given me because it shows you are interested in what you are writing about and have thought about it. Throughout the paper you mention negatives about traditional chemical medicines. Are there any negatives about using music? Could someone completely replace traditional drugs with medicine? Is there anything prohibiting a person from using music for healing? Are you referring to herbal medicines when you mention natural medicines? How is music a natural medicine? These are just some questions to get your brainstorming. See you soon!**

Final **Comparison** (posted **RHS** March 9 -- **171** March 11)

In the age of technology that exists now, the search of new ideas is consistently taking place. There is a need for everything to be brand new, whether it is technologies that the consumer can play with, new technologies to learn with, or new technologies that are used as drugs; going beyond average medicines to explore new medical possibilities. Over the last couple of years, a new approach to medicine has been explored. When medicines are not working, need additional help, or when medicines are not an option, some doctors have turned to using music – not as the average listening device – but as a technology used in the practice of medicine. A good percent of the medical community are skeptical of this practice. As abstract as the idea of music is, it is often hard to understand how exactly music works in different groups of people – or even why music may be the better option. Music works in a special way, depending on its use. When medicines aren’t useful to curing with certain diseases, music can help one cope. When music is used in rehabilitation roles, music can be used to distract from the pain and build strong relationships and trust. When medicines are hard to come by or unattainable due to financial stability, music can be made and used for free, in almost every setting. One may even say that medicine is the better option.

The initial solution for every illness is medicine. When a trip to the doctor takes place, the patient almost expects to leave with some form of medicine. Doctors give an educated guess at the illness and give the proper medication to fix it and hope it works in order to satisfy the patient. Medicines are the always the immediate answer because it is guaranteed that there will be some kind of result. Medicines have chemicals that alter the body’s functions to fight of diseases, sometimes creating negatives side effects in the process. Often times, doctors give antibiotics. Like all chemical medicines, antibiotics alter the body to work in a specific way. In this case, antibiotics help strengthen and create new white blood cells to fight off bacteria within the body. While it may seem like getting these medicines is the best option to heal quickly and get on with life, this mentality has resulted in the growth of resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria come from the overuse of antibiotics and can only be cured by stronger antibiotics. Stronger antibiotics mean worse side effects such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The body cannot build a resistance to music, and it will never cause the extreme side effects that medicines do. Music works directly with the brain to cause emotions such as pleasure and creativity. Simply playing pleasurable music could convince the brain and the body that it is healthy. The music then hits the part of the brain that controls the hypothalamus – the part of the body that controls the heart rate, and repertory system, as well as the stomach and sweat glands – all before one gets a measure into the song. This reaction causes the body to physically heal itself. Because the audio waves of music work directly with the brain, without the help of chemicals, it makes music an organic option. The rest of the body won’t grow immune to it, and there is no need to fear possible side effects.

There are things that even medicines cannot do. In the case of mental health, medicines can only do so much without totally altering the brain and its chemicals, which could do more harm than good. Often doctors – specifically therapist – chose a chemical free approach, and use music is used to heal. Music is often used for rehabilitation and therapy uses. Therapists often use the method of sharing music or teaching their patients – whether they are mentally or physically disabled – to gain a trust. This approach is useful because it is a distraction from the direct reasoning behind the therapy. It gives the patient to relish in the enjoyment of music without the constant reminder of why they are there – like a stereotypical therapy session would. By giving patients this distraction, the patient will become eager for this escape, and therefore more eager to visit this therapist. This eventually builds a bond between the patient and doctor to promote maximum ability for healing. This tool is used in both one on one and group settings. People are often taught to play instruments in rehabilitation centers in the setting of group therapy. Just like the patient grows to depend on their daily musical therapy, the patient will grow to enjoy the distraction of group musical therapy. Just as musical one-on-one therapy develops a bond between patient and doctor, group therapy develops a bond between patients. Having these support systems in place are responsible for a pleasurable healing process.

The most important thing that is taken for granted in medicine is everyone’s access to it. For some people, medical insurance is not a reality because of the financial burden it implies. Families living pay check to pay check are not going to want to pay for an antibiotic or other medicine that isn’t going to make them feel better. The patient’s mentality is a vital factor to the process of healing, as well as staying healthy. Listening or playing music could even distract from the problem at hand as well. Having bright, cheerful, and up beat music in one’s life promotes healthy and happy thinking, which can immediately make them feel better. One’s financial stability does not get to dictate whether they get to enjoy music or not. Since music is everywhere at the touch of a finger, access is unlimited.

There are many arguments for and against using music as a medicine. While many doctors may be skeptical of its use, the truth is it couldn’t possibly hurt. Music works directly with the brain and hypothalamus in some cases, calming the body down to make it more receptive to the healing process. Sometimes music goes beyond the use of medicines in other cases, mostly in therapeutic settings using music as a mental tool towards building bonds with doctors as well as other patients to ultimately create healthy living. The question shouldn’t be if music is really effective, but how doctors can make its use even more effective. Patients should have the full right to choose music as a medicine regardless if it is because they want a chemical free option, or because they simply cannot afford the pricey chemical route. Doctors shouldn’t be weary of music but embrace that there is a new approach to medicines.

=__**A Response ...**__=

In the age of technology that exists now, the search of new ideas is consistently taking place. There is a need for everything to be brand new, whether it is technologies that the consumer can play with, new technologies to learn with, or new technologies that are used as drugs; going beyond average medicines to explore new medical possibilities. Over the last couple of years, a new approach to medicine has been explored. When medicines are not working, need additional help, or when medicines are not an option, some doctors have turned to using music – not as the average listening device – but as a technology used in the practice of medicine. A good percent of the medical community are skeptical of this practice. **This is the only place you mention technology in the paper,** **is there a link between technology and music? In specific, what is the link between technology and music as a medicine? Are there places within the paper where you could insert the link of technology?** As abstract as the idea of music is, it is often hard to understand how exactly music works in different groups of people – or even why music may be the better option. Music works in a special way, depending on its use. When medicines aren’t useful to curing with certain diseases, music can help one cope. When music is used in rehabilitation roles, music can be used to distract from the pain and build strong relationships and trust. When medicines are hard to come by or unattainable due to financial stability, music can be made and used for free, in almost every setting. One may even say that medicine is the better option. **How is medicine the better option? Later in the essay you negate this point by stating medicines “may seem like” the best option, but it “resulted in the growth of resistant bacteria”. Which option do you find better and why?**

The initial solution for every illness is medicine. When a trip to the doctor takes place, the patient almost expects to leave with some form of medicine. Doctors give an educated guess at the illness and give the proper medication to fix it and hope it works in order to satisfy the patient. Medicines are the always the immediate answer because it is guaranteed that there will be some kind of result. Medicines have chemicals that alter the body’s functions to fight of diseases, sometimes creating negatives side effects in the process. Often times, doctors give antibiotics. Like all chemical medicines, antibiotics alter the body to work in a specific way. In this case, antibiotics help strengthen and create new white blood cells to fight off bacteria within the body. While it may seem like getting these medicines is the best option to heal quickly and get on with life, this mentality has resulted in the growth of resistant bacteria. Resistant bacteria come from the overuse of antibiotics and can only be cured by stronger antibiotics. Stronger antibiotics mean worse side effects such as stomach pains, diarrhea, and in some cases, allergic reactions. The body cannot build a resistance to music, and it will never cause the extreme side effects that medicines do. Music works directly with the brain to cause emotions such as pleasure and creativity. Simply playing pleasurable music could convince the brain and the body that it is healthy. The music then hits the part of the brain that controls the hypothalamus – the part of the body that controls the heart rate, and repertory system, as well as the stomach and sweat glands – all before one gets a measure into the song. This reaction causes the body to physically heal itself. Because the audio waves of music work directly with the brain, without the help of chemicals, it makes music an organic option. The rest of the body won’t grow immune to it, and there is no need to fear possible side effects. **Can music be used for all illnesses? Could you provide of an example you know of where music is used as a healing tool instead of medicine? For example, is music used to trick the body into healing itself with certain cancers?**

There are things that even medicines cannot do. In the case of mental health, medicines can only do so much without totally altering the brain and its chemicals, which could do more harm than good. Often doctors – specifically therapist – chose a chemical free approach, and use music is used to heal. Music is often used for rehabilitation and therapy uses. Therapists often use the method of sharing music or teaching their patients – whether they are mentally or physically disabled – to gain a trust. This approach is useful because it is a distraction from the direct reasoning behind the therapy. It gives the patient to relish in the enjoyment of music without the constant reminder of why they are there – like a stereotypical therapy session would. **What is a “stereotypical therapy session”?** By giving patients this distraction, the patient will become eager for this escape, and therefore more eager to visit this therapist. This eventually builds a bond between the patient and doctor to promote maximum ability for healing. This tool is used in both one on one and group settings. People are often taught to play instruments in rehabilitation centers in the setting of group therapy. Just like the patient grows to depend on their daily musical therapy, the patient will grow to enjoy the distraction of group musical therapy. Just as musical one-on-one therapy develops a bond between patient and doctor, group therapy develops a bond between patients. Having these support systems in place are responsible for a pleasurable healing process. **You mention music can replace antidepressants for mental health problems. Is this the case for all mental health problems like autism, or is it limited to cases of depressions, eating disorders, alcoholism, etc?**

The most important thing that is taken for granted in medicine is everyone’s access to it. For some people, medical insurance is not a reality because of the financial burden it implies. Families living pay check to pay check are not going to want to pay for an antibiotic or other medicine that isn’t going to make them feel better. **Is it that the families don’t want to pay, or can’t afford to pay?** The patient’s mentality is a vital factor to the process of healing, as well as staying healthy. Listening or playing music could even distract from the problem at hand as well. Having bright, cheerful, and up beat music in one’s life promotes healthy and happy thinking, which can immediately make them feel better. One’s financial stability does not get to dictate whether they get to enjoy music or not. Since music is everywhere at the touch of a finger, access is unlimited. **How is music “everywhere at the touch of a finger”? Don’t they need tools like a radio or musical instrument? If so, wouldn’t it be difficult for poor families to be reached by music if they didn’t have the tools? OR, does singing count as music?**

There are many arguments for and against using music as a medicine. While many doctors may be skeptical of its use, the truth is it couldn’t possibly hurt. Music works directly with the brain and hypothalamus in some cases, calming the body down to make it more receptive to the healing process. Sometimes music goes beyond the use of medicines in other cases, mostly in therapeutic settings using music as a mental tool towards building bonds with doctors as well as other patients to ultimately create healthy living. The question shouldn’t be if music is really effective, but how doctors can make its use even more effective. Patients should have the full right to choose music as a medicine regardless if it is because they want a chemical free option, or because they simply cannot afford the pricey chemical route. **Can medicines always be replaced by music? Are there some illnesses in which chemical drugs are needed and music would not be a helpful tool?** Doctors shouldn’t be weary of music but embrace that there is a new approach to medicines.


 * Brooklynn, hello! First of all, I like the expansion on the questions I gave you, it shows your engaged with the paper and have thought about it. Second, there is always room for more. I like the beginning of the paper with the use of technology, but that is the only place you seem to refer to it. How has technology been used in exchanging medicines for music? Also, you mention that music is free. Are there obstacles to getting music or are you also referring to singing as music? When I think of music, I think of songs with either instruments or voice, or both. Maybe some clarification is needed here. Otherwise, I hope these questions and observations help you!**
 * Jamie.**
 * Reflection #2 (RHS ** March 16 -- **171** March 25)

Rough Draft **Argument** (posted **RHS** April 6 -- **171** April 8)

As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s electuary education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for parents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most importantly to a musician like myself, music programming are being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as hers. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for everyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a person.

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to all-time lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of schools was the music program. I could not imagine an education without music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education is.

Adding music education to a student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any scale, whether it be a 4/4 scale, a 2/4 or even a 3/9scale – which is a whole other set of mathematics to consider. One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student and set them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. Most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, so this often means choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Therefore, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.

 It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, English, Math, Science, or Social Studies. But it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Without Science there would be no instrument to play music with. Without English, one could not compose lyrics to their own song. Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects.

But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person all because of money.

=>>>>>>>>>>>>>>REVISION<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< =

As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s electuary **(Maybe elementary?)** education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for parents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most importantly to a musician like myself, music programming are being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as hers. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for everyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a person.

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to all-time lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of schools was the music program. I could not imagine an education without music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education is.

Adding music education to a student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any scale, whether it be a 4/4 scale, a 2/4 or even a 3/9scale – which is a whole other set of mathematics to consider. **What is a 4/4, 2/4, or 3/9 scale? Is there an example you could provide to help explain?** One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student and set them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. Most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, so this often means choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Therefore, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. **How do students ‘gain basic social studies knowledge? Is it through the Latin terms like pianissimo and fortissimo? Or is it by learning about the places the composers come from?** When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. **How does students “translate the art”? Could you provide an example?** By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. **This sentence is confusing. How does the subject matter of music from different countries differ?** Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.

It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, English, Math, Science, or Social Studies. But it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Without Science there would be no instrument to play music with. Without English, one could not compose lyrics to their own song. **Don’t all of these examples imply that music needs English, math, science, and social studies skills to work, instead of the other way around?** Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects.

But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person all because of money.


 * Brooklynn, I like how you discuss how music and the four major studies in elementary/high school education are linked. You also mention the administrative power structure and economic forces behind the decision for getting rid of or keeping a program. Is there a way you can tie the education side of the paper with the administrative and economic problems that you mention in the second and final paragraphs? Can’t wait to see what you do with this! **


 * Jamie **

Revision **Argument** (posted **RHS** April 13 -- **171** April 15)

As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s elementary education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for disapproving grandparents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most appallingly to a musician like myself, music programming are being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as hers. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary school, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for the likes of anyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a student.

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to scary lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of schools was the music program. First the programs grew smaller and smaller, before they no longer could hold on. Without the backup from the men in charge, they began to disappear completely. It is hard for me to imagine not starting off my education with elementary level music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education can be.

Adding music education to a young student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any time signature, whether it be a 4/4 scale – which means that there are four beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – a 2/4 scale – where there are two beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – or even a 6/8scale – the eighth note gets the beat, and there is six eighth note-beats in each measure. One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student, or give an alternate way to teach math to a student who finds math hard to understand, much like myself. Taking out the confusing and frustrating title of math and replacing it with music is an effortless way to trick a student into learning math. This creates a win-win situation for both teachers and students, setting them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Music teachers can take advantage of the difference in culture that music brings. Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. And since most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, this often means purposely choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Because of this, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. A music teacher can easily take advantage of this and use the material to teach history, explain why the music is about a certain subject because of historical, cultural or lingual differences. When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. In young groups of children, teachers will work with their students in translating, giving the perfect base in exposure. By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.

 It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, but it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects. But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person and a student all because of money.


 * RESPONSE**

As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s elementary education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for disapproving grandparents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most appallingly to a musician like myself, music programming are being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as hers. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary school, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for the likes of anyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a student.

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to scary lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of schools was the music program. First the programs grew smaller and smaller, before they no longer could hold on. **Is there a reason why the programs grew smaller and smaller? Were students no longer able to afford musical instruments? Or was it all from the school point of view, where the schools could no longer afford to keep the teachers?** Without the backup from the men in charge, they began to disappear completely. **Who are the “men in charge”? Are you referring to administration and superintendants?** It is hard for me to imagine not starting off my education with elementary level music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education can be.

Adding music education to a young student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any time signature, whether it be a 4/4 scale – which means that there are four beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – a 2/4 scale – where there are two beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – or even a 6/8scale – the eighth note gets the beat, and there is six eighth note-beats in each measure. **Rather lengthy sentence gets confusing. Is there a way to make the sentence less confusing but still get the message across?**One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student, or give an alternate way to teach math to a student who finds math hard to understand, much like myself. Taking out the confusing and frustrating title of math and replacing it with music is an effortless way to trick a student into learning math. This creates a win-win situation for both teachers and students, setting them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Music teachers can take advantage of the difference in culture that music brings. Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. And since most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, this often means purposely choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Because of this, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. A music teacher can easily take advantage of this and use the material to teach history, explain why the music is about a certain subject because of historical, cultural or lingual differences. When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. In young groups of children, teachers will work with their students in translating, giving the perfect base in exposure. By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. **Can you give an example of how different music from different areas are different in subject matter? Maybe you could use Gustav Holst’s Hammersmith or Mozart’s Confutatis?** Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.

It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, but it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects. But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person and a student all because of money.

Hey Brooklynn, here are just a few questions for you to think about for your final revision. Are there any examples you could add to help the reader understand some of the concepts you mention? Also, for an ending, can you think of a possible solution of what administrators could do to bring back music programs?

Final **Argument** (posted **RHS** April 20 -- **171** April 23) As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s elementary education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for disapproving grandparents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most appallingly to a musician like myself, music programming are being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as her. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary school, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for the likes of anyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a student.

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to scary lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of the school’s budgets were the music program, since it wasn’t seen has one of the core subjects, such as Math, English, Science, or social studies. First the programs grew smaller and smaller, before they no longer could hold on. Without the backup from the schools’ superintendents, they began to disappear completely. It is hard for me to imagine not starting off my education with elementary level music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education can be.

Adding music education to a young student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any time signature, whether it be a 4/4 scale – which means that there are four beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – a 2/4 scale – where there are two beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – or even a 6/8scale – meaning the eighth note gets the beat, and there is six eighth note-beats in each measure. One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student, or give an alternate way to teach math to a student who finds math hard to understand, much like myself. Taking out the confusing and frustrating title of math and replacing it with music is an effortless way to trick a student into learning math. This creates a win-win situation for both teachers and students, setting them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Music teachers can take advantage of the difference in culture that music brings. Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. And since most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, this often means purposely choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Because of this, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. A music teacher can easily take advantage of this and use the material to teach history, explain why the music is about a certain subject because of historical, cultural or lingual differences. When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. In young groups of children, teachers will work with their students in translating, giving the perfect base in exposure. By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.  It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, but it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects. But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person and a student all because of money.

As a high school student, I often find myself looking at my younger sister’s elementary education with the general ‘back in my day’ attitude that is usually held for disapproving grandparents. In today’s schools – no matter the age group – there are money problems. Teachers are being let go every year, the quality of school technologies and supplies are diminishing, and most appallingly to a musician like myself, music programming **is** being cut out entirely. When I was my sister’s age, I went to the same school, and had most of the same teachers as her. But what I had that she didn’t was a music program. My elementary school, along with plenty of schools across Des Moines, held fantastic music programs. From musical theater, to general music education, to private voice, band, and orchestral lessons there was a little something for the likes of anyone. Everyone was encouraged to participate because it was understood that adding music to education would encourage a well-rounded growth in a student.
 * RESPONSE**

As I grew up, the sight of music programming in schools became scarce. As the economy dropped to scary lows, so did the budget for education. Often, the first thing to be cut out of the school’s budgets were the music program**s**, since it wasn’t seen has one of the core subjects, such as Math, English, Science, or social studies. First the programs grew smaller and smaller, before they no longer could hold on. Without the backup from the schools’ superintendents, they began to disappear completely. It is hard for me to imagine not starting off my education with elementary level music, and because of this I mourn the loss for the young students who will never understand what they’re missing out on because someone in power failed to realize how important a music education can be.

Adding music education to a young student’s life can simultaneously develop a list of other skills. Reading music is the first thing taught to a musician, and without a solid knowledge in the basic math taught in elementary school the reader will easily become lost. To read music and keep time you must be able to keep a steady pattern of rhythm – or counting as it’s easier thought of – while being able to add the fractions of various whole, half, quarter, one-eight, one-sixteenth, and one-thirty second notes while staying on beat of any time signature, whether it be a 4/4 scale – which means that there are four beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – a 2/4 scale – where there are two beats per measure, and the quarter note gets the beat – or even a 6/8scale – meaning the eighth note gets the beat, and there is six eighth note-beats in each measure. **I like that you are showing how math and music work together. It seems like the first half of this sentence is explaining the breakdown of the notes, while the second half is explaining how the notes fit in the different time signatures, is there are way to make the transition between the two smoother, or do you think it should be two separate sentences?** One cannot do all of these things at the same time and be a weak student in math. Teaching it young can strengthen the math skills of a young student, or give an alternate way to teach math to a student who finds math hard to understand, much like myself. Taking out the confusing and frustrating title of math and replacing it with music is an effortless way to trick a student into learning math. This creates a win-win situation for both teachers and students, setting them up for a bright future in higher level mathematics.

Music teachers can take advantage of the difference in culture that music brings. Since most classical music is written in the 1800’s where the main focus of the world was in Europe, it is harder to find a piece written in English. **Is the music being from “Euupe” the main reason why the music is in Latin? Or does it have to do with religion since the major religions used Latin in their church?** And since most music teachers focus on ensuring their students are well rounded musically, this often means purposely choosing pieces in other languages, mostly Latin. Because of this, it is impossible for a music student to not gain basic social studies knowledge through practice. A music teacher can easily take advantage of this and use the material to teach history, explain why the music is about a certain subject because of historical, cultural or lingual differences. When music pieces of other languages are chosen, any good music teachers will encourage their students to go translate the art in order to grasp a better understanding of the meaning behind the piece. **Are you referring to every work of music, or just choir pieces?** In young groups of children, teachers will work with their students in translating, giving the perfect base in exposure. By starting this practice in young groups of elementarily school students so early, it is almost promised that the students will pick up various languages piece by piece. Furthermore, music from different countries are going to have music of different subject matters. Whether the student agrees with the meaning behind the music, the exposure to these altering life concepts will give them the life understanding that many students won’t get exposed to until high school sociology classes.

It is easy to write off music programs in schools because it isn’t considered to be one of the core subjects, but it’s easily understandable that music could be all of these wrapped into one subject. Without Math there is no reading music. Without Social Studies there would be no understanding of abstract cultural concepts of music. Understanding this concept could be an abstract concept in itself, but it must be understood that music not only combines the most important parts of school in one, but it also puts a fun twist to it. Without fun in school, students often become bored and lose interest. Some students need this abstract way of learning to absorb these important subjects. But some students will never know that there is an alternative way of learning because music programs are becoming a myth in the school system. There has got to be an understanding of how beneficial music is in the school setting before it is eliminated entirely. School officials need to stop using low budgets for an excuse to cut music out of schools. Music should be celebrated, not shut out, and I could only hope that the students of the future don’t have to miss out on the great musical opportunities that I had that helped shaped me as a person and a student all because of money.


 * Brooklynn – Missed you when your class came to Drake, but it looks like you’ve done some work and are on the right track. There are a few places where I think further explanation would be useful. For example, when you are talking about translating music, is it all types of music (from orchestra pieces to choral) or just choir pieces? Overall, the piece sounds great and you provide a decent argument explaining why music should still be in elementary and on. With a few tweaks, your final piece should be amazing! **

Reflection #3 (posted **RHS** April 23)