Teaching Philosophy

The music classroom is often looked at as a place for loud noises and shiny instruments. But when you look closer, it offers far more than that. Music education offers students a sense of community and belonging that other parts of school don’t offer. Music curricula promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork that help shape students into well rounded members of society, while also producing great musicians. As a teacher, I aim to foster self expression and lifelong learning. I see my students as more than an instrument in my ensemble and as a person who will help lead us into the future. 

During my experiences as a student, I learned some very valuable things that I want to bring to my classroom. The most important thing I learned was to never lose hope in a student and their current abilities. In high school, I was the second to last alto saxophonist in the lowest ensemble and was very frustrated with where I was. I was lucky enough to have a teacher who never lost hope in me and saw the potential of where I could be and not where I am now. I really took this to heart and I always strive to give students the necessary skills to get where they want to be and not dwell on where they are now. I also learned that fostering a healthy growth process is necessary for the development of the student. Teaching them how to learn from their mistakes and avoid the feeling of frustration is an amazing skill that can be carried into every aspect of their lives.

​

I believe that all students, no matter their situation, should have access to music education. As a teacher, it is vital to put in the necessary amount of work to make sure every student's needs are met. I will never give up on a student because of their skill level or situation that may prohibit their development. I strive to make my learning environment as safe and comfortable as possible so that there are no roadblocks in the students' learning. I don’t stand for negative behavior that discourages students from growing to their full potential. Most students quit music because of embarrassment caused by others around them and they then lose the benefits playing music has to offer. I feel that music education is far more than just playing music well, it’s about developing the necessary physical and emotional skills required to apply to all other aspects of their lives. Everyone has the right to play and enjoy music, regardless of your situation. 

“It is far more important who the elementary music teacher is in a small town than who the director of an opera house is because if the opera house director is not good, he will be dismissed in a year, but a poor music teacher in a small town can kill off the love of music for thirty years from thirty classes of children. This is an enormous responsibility.” - Zoltan Kodaly

​

I love this quote because it really outlines what a music educator should look like. An educator is far more than just someone who lectures at you for a few hours a week, an educator’s responsibility is to inspire students to achieve their best and never give up on themselves. Through this, educators inspire students for many years after they have left their classrooms. There is no place in the classroom for educators who don’t have the best interest of the student in mind everyday they teach. One bad day can turn into a negative association with music for a  student's lifetime. Educators need to be listening to their students' needs and adapt their teaching to best match it. 

The bottom line is that I want my students to enjoy coming to school everyday knowing they have an emotional outlet and community they can fall back on. I’m committed to tailoring my teaching to fit my students' enjoyment and overall learning. If an educator is not willing to change their ways, how do we expect our students to stay attentive and enjoy the overall experience. Students are constantly changing and we must do the same. After all, we’re here to help the students be ready for the world ahead of them.