Chapter 4 - Group Differences and Emotional Intelligence

Chapter 4 – Group Differences

Bobby Showalter

            In the article “Defining Emotional Intelligence in Music Education,” Kaschub describes multiple theorists’ approach to emotional intelligence, and how their theories compare to one another within the context of music education.  Kaschub frequently refers to Goleman’s theory and uses it for the basis of his arguments; I will discuss both Kaschub’s commentary and Goleman’s position.

            Kaschub notes that Goleman’s theory argues that social interaction skills “can be further developed through a knowledge of one’s own feelings and an understanding of how those feelings relate to the emotive life of others in particular situations and contexts.”  I couldn’t agree more.  An effective ensemble rehearsal is more than just the director barking out orders and micromanaging all aspects of performance; rather, a mature and expert ensemble will make those tasks interpersonal, relying instead on one another’s ability to understand the emotional state of others and respond accordingly.  The musicians in this setting understand that their actions have an effect on not only their personal performance, but also on the performance of those around them.  If they are not aware of those with whom they are playing, they stand to impede the growth and development of their peers.

            At the end of his article, Kaschub argues that the primary goal of music education is to “allow our students to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between feelings and music.”  While certainly the understanding of the way music speaks to us and impacts our lives and feelings is important, I would argue further that the primary goal of music education should be rather to encourage more meaningful interactions with one another—verbal intercourse in which the participants are more acutely aware of the other’s emotional state.  Simply developing emotional intelligence for one’s self is not enough.  I believe it is through interpersonal interaction that we truly develop our emotional intelligence and develop long-lasting, meaningful relationships and successes.