Learning through music and art: Doug Goodkin at TEDxConejoSalon

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[wdwman]

My kids and I were lucky enough to be part of a family workshop that Doug Goodkin led at NJPAC in Newark a few weeks ago.  What a brilliant guy; just a blast to learn from!  This video expresses perfectly in fifteen minutes why music education is so important, how the prevailing mindset is wrong, and how to change it. Thank you Doug! 

[kellycole]

I went to one of his workshops at GMEA. I learned more from his hour long session than I have from some college courses. As a music education major at Columbus State, there are times when I feel very discouraged about my future career simply because of the direction the world is headed in. This energizes me and gives me hope for the future of music education. Thank you.

[mariayoung]

Doug I am so proud of you! This is wonderful. I've only made it through a little bit and I had to stop and let you know that it's so good. You are such a treasure and have really made a big difference in so so many lives! Thank you for doing what you do.

[sanja]

I was a student at his school from kindergarten-8th grade over 20 yrs ago. We had signing time and music class every day. Even though I don't work in music at all now it provided such unique joy. He was also always very kind and encouraging with all students. His music program and pedagogy left an indelible mark.

[catzpah]

I am honored to have studied with this amazing man. All teachers, even if they think they are not musical, should read one of his books or take a workshop with him.

[jcristianocunha]

So proud to be your (Orff-Schulwerk) student!..
Thank's Doug!
Big hug from Portugal.

[carolshadwell]

Wonderful! Both nourishing to the mind and soothing for the spirit.

[drumfun]

Wonderful Doug! Great to see you spreading your message using the wonders of technology. Hope to see you in San Fran one day...or maybe Ghana! Keep up the great work!

[susantramontana]

Wonderful talk, Doug.  I am so glad my son had 3 years with you and your amazing musical team! 

[parallel-galaxy]

Wow! The 🌎 needs a lot more people like this guy in it..

[jehielisrael]

You are so Great Sir. Thank you so much.

[EloiFuguet]

It was a honour to meet you in Manresa. I hope to see you next time.
With best regards from Barcelona!

[HotJupiter]

Fabulous! thank you... I recently had this conversation with a group of pre-school teacher who don't think they are musical.

[StringsOfBrian]

This is so great! Music saved my life!

[bonnieweston]

I liked his presentation especially that music is BEAUTY. That we all hunger for it. That we all want music and we all need music.

[Ghuey]

That was great thanks for the music lecture

[jackgoodkin]

Hey people of TED, would you be able to help me find out if I'm related to him? I barely know anyone on my dad's side of the family

[thepianoplayer]

The idea that every child can learn to play music was conceived by the Japanese educator & musician Shinichi Suzuki since the 1960s. The idea was adopted by music programs as Suzuki & Yamaha. Instead of having music education for well-off parents who can afford private lessons, José Antonio Abreu took the idea 1 step further by putting music programs into a publicly-funded education system (like the Harmony Program).
Conventional approach to teaching often turn music into an academic exercise. There is a lot of focus on reading music, the correct hand positions and playing techniques. Just giving a child an instrument and hope for the best is not enough. You need to make music fun and engaging and with a lot of motivations. Came across someone who was enrolled in private piano lessons by his parents and even passed several conservatory exams. He hated playing music so much that he never touched an instrument again. Many took lessons but feel uncomfortable playing even a simple song in front of people.
In the modern age, there are many parents who feel their kids need to be exposed to computers & hand-held devices early in life because they will be exposed to technology in their workplaces later in life. Some parents allowed their kids to spend hours in front of the TV or their portable devices but no considerations using the time to learn songs.
Every child has the ability to play an instrument is a given fact. When you put kids in a music class with 20 other people doing the same thing creates a positive environment (peer pressure) for kids to learn. Not everybody has a good voice for singing, however.

[whoisthispianist]

I’ve heard many students that are tone deaf, and many who cannot keep a pulse. Some people don’t respond to music at all, and Dr Jordan B. Peterson’s research indicates that less than 1% of people are high in trait “creativity”. For these reasons I don’t agree that “everybody has the capability to speak music”. Hardly anyone can “speak” good music, but everyone should try.

In spite of all of this, I agree that everyone should have a music education and the reasons given by Doug are compelling.