My Philosophy on Music Education
In my years of teaching I have started to develop a strong belief on music education and how it should be taught to students. At some point throughout the year we are held accountable for what the students have learned in our class. Usually this is in the form of a program or concert for all of the parents and friends to come see. I believe that giving students the opportunity to lead in the classroom, and perform constantly in front of others is where the most important teachable moments occur. During those times students are developing their skills and leadership styles instead of learning about them. I have found that more is learned than taught, and so I must portray my passion for music in a way that will instill a passion for music in all of my students lives.
As an educator in a public school there are going to be a thousand problems each day. A teacher must be able to remain patient, and take time to hear and help out students with any problems he/she may be having. It is important to remember that every student is entitled to a fair education. There will be situations that seem frustrating but by maintaining patience, one will be able to handle the situation in way which can be a learning experience for both the teacher and student. I believe that everything that we do as educators, both positive and negative, will effect students later in life. For this reason, teachers must be mindful that students are constantly developing both their knowledge and their personality and each have different needs. As a teacher, if I am unable to help a student fulfill his/her basic needs, as noted in Maslow’s Hierarchy, then I have no way of reaching that student on an intellectual level. Being aware of the sensitivity of each student and being empathetic to their individual needs is vital. One must never be afraid to make the extra effort to learn a second language, talk to parents, or give short private lessons to help a student feel more comfortable.
Being on top of your game is crucial for being an educator. If I were to come into my classroom unprepared to teach, I could not expect my students to come prepared to learn. Although students look up to teachers for their skills and experience, they will always find a loose string to pull on. The first step to success is the way you dress. If a teacher were to enter the classroom dressed as a high schooler, they can not expect to be treated as a teacher. I want my students to be comfortable enough around me to have good rehearsal, but they must respect my actions and words.
Approaching the podium only after analyzing the scores of the pieces to be played and having identified problem sections in the music, I can expect a successful rehearsal. Students should come into the classroom excited and ready to learn. By offering a sense of familiarity and routine, kids can be comfortable in their classroom, and will be able to learn with less distraction. A comfortable classroom would include a structured daily routine, as well as pictures and posters of composers and professional musicians to familiarize students with music history.
Music is commonly the first program to be swept under the rug when time for cleaning house and tightening the budget. There is not a national standardized test for music classes, but when taught correctly, music can help students find their way in life. We cannot afford to cut any classes in our public school system. The purpose of public schools is to give students the same opportunities that privileged students are offered in private institutions. By restricting the variety of classes a student can take, there is a risk of suppressing personality and individuality.
I believe Music is more than playing or singing the right notes at the right time. Music education includes teaching musicality, music history, composition, experiencing emotion, and developing basic life skills. One of the most rewarding experiences for me as a musician is being able to express the emotion that a composer conveys in his piece. As a teacher, it is very rewarding for me to share a feeling of eagerness and personal connection to a piece of music with my students.
As an educator in a public school there are going to be a thousand problems each day. A teacher must be able to remain patient, and take time to hear and help out students with any problems he/she may be having. It is important to remember that every student is entitled to a fair education. There will be situations that seem frustrating but by maintaining patience, one will be able to handle the situation in way which can be a learning experience for both the teacher and student. I believe that everything that we do as educators, both positive and negative, will effect students later in life. For this reason, teachers must be mindful that students are constantly developing both their knowledge and their personality and each have different needs. As a teacher, if I am unable to help a student fulfill his/her basic needs, as noted in Maslow’s Hierarchy, then I have no way of reaching that student on an intellectual level. Being aware of the sensitivity of each student and being empathetic to their individual needs is vital. One must never be afraid to make the extra effort to learn a second language, talk to parents, or give short private lessons to help a student feel more comfortable.
Being on top of your game is crucial for being an educator. If I were to come into my classroom unprepared to teach, I could not expect my students to come prepared to learn. Although students look up to teachers for their skills and experience, they will always find a loose string to pull on. The first step to success is the way you dress. If a teacher were to enter the classroom dressed as a high schooler, they can not expect to be treated as a teacher. I want my students to be comfortable enough around me to have good rehearsal, but they must respect my actions and words.
Approaching the podium only after analyzing the scores of the pieces to be played and having identified problem sections in the music, I can expect a successful rehearsal. Students should come into the classroom excited and ready to learn. By offering a sense of familiarity and routine, kids can be comfortable in their classroom, and will be able to learn with less distraction. A comfortable classroom would include a structured daily routine, as well as pictures and posters of composers and professional musicians to familiarize students with music history.
Music is commonly the first program to be swept under the rug when time for cleaning house and tightening the budget. There is not a national standardized test for music classes, but when taught correctly, music can help students find their way in life. We cannot afford to cut any classes in our public school system. The purpose of public schools is to give students the same opportunities that privileged students are offered in private institutions. By restricting the variety of classes a student can take, there is a risk of suppressing personality and individuality.
I believe Music is more than playing or singing the right notes at the right time. Music education includes teaching musicality, music history, composition, experiencing emotion, and developing basic life skills. One of the most rewarding experiences for me as a musician is being able to express the emotion that a composer conveys in his piece. As a teacher, it is very rewarding for me to share a feeling of eagerness and personal connection to a piece of music with my students.