A Personal Philosophy of Music Education
Music as an art form is inherently emotional and social. Performing any music, especially solo repertoire, is an intimate reflection of self that is shared with others. These principles result in the music classroom being a space for expression, collaboration, and growth. My role as an educator is to foster an environment that empowers students to develop as people and musicians through shared musical experiences.
Students in my program will leave as competent and confident musicians. Honing musical skillsets through the practice of fundamentals, providing opportunity for individual and group performances, and programming repertoire appropriate to a student’s current skill level will expose students to challenges that they will conquer and learn from through musical growth.
Effective musical instruction keeps the individual in mind. Students are incredibly diverse in their previous musical and life experiences. Finding opportunities to respect and draw upon those experiences, whether through programming or performance opportunities, is an essential part of teaching music. Spending time getting to know students as individuals through conversation helps to build personal relationships that further invest them in music.
The music classroom exists as a home for everyone; all students are welcome to participate, but students do not participate in the same way. This does not equate to an allowance of lackluster commitment or effort, but rather an assurance that music is shared, not exclusionary. Students should be able to contribute at all skill levels, in an ensemble most appropriate to their musical journey. As an educator, it is my responsibility to ensure that my program accepts and embraces anyone who chooses to commit to the joy of music making.
I hold the lessons I derived from music especially close to my heart, as these lessons were instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. I have seen how hard work is rewarded, how to gracefully accept defeat, how to collaborate and resolve conflict, how to lead my peers, and most of all, how to be an upstanding person beyond musical endeavors. Music education is as much about teaching the art itself as it is cultivating students into the best versions of themselves. Providing student leadership opportunities, letting students face adversity head-on, and encouraging consistent, diligent efforts all aid in cultivating great people. Music is a conduit through which students learn how to be human while interacting with and living an art that perpetually surrounds them.
Ultimately, the students who leave my classroom will grow in their appreciation for music, individual musical skills, and their ability to be diligent, respectful, and accountable leaders in society.