Philosophy on Education
Discover Curiosity for Music
As music keeps evolving with the overflowing amount of influences from around the world, I believe it is the right of every learner to appreciate and explore these influences. Musicality is an ability that everyone possesses, and I want to help others find that for themselves. Growing up, music was a way to help me express myself with my various thoughts and ideas. I could heal, think, process, and empathize through rhythm and sound. Yet, technology still has many capabilities that can improve music education, and I want to go on a journey with other eager learners.
I have had many areas of curiosity in my music education curriculum that I would like to expand upon in the classroom. The study of music also encompasses the study of people, places, and cultures involved in its creation and performance. (National Association for Music Education, 2017) There are countless ways to engage and understand the cultural backgrounds that we see in the American classroom through music. With improved accessibility to listening, these different performances have opened many doors to incorporating technology into education. This collaboration can also significantly help those with neurodivergence and allow various new strategies and software previously unavailable.
I strive to have students sing and play to these genres while discovering their connection. Moreover, I want to help students find curiosity in alternative ways of experiencing music through visuals, technology, live instruments, and social-emotional learning. Every student can develop a strong sense of musicianship and appreciation through an all-encompassing music education.
Goals as an Educator
My undeniable goal as an educator is to understand, empathize, and facilitate meaningful connections with students and to ensure that all of their needs are met while gaining the most out of their education. I want to help develop a classroom where students feel heard and represented in the material discussed while feeling welcomed and safe. I am passionate about ensuring students with special needs feel empowered to learn and enjoy music; every child deserves that experience. Music is meant to be shared, and I want to be that point of access for students.
Teaching Strategies
Retaining classroom engagement is essential for learning in the modern age. Countless distractions and the significant demand for focus in school and everyday life make it difficult for students to prioritize their commitments. I strive in my teaching to make students engage with my material by adding structured choices, implementing improvisation exercises, and opening discussions to help students better connect with their music. It's important to be flexible and responsive to students and address their needs in real-time. Every day in the classroom will change, so expecting the unexpected is necessary for teaching.
With the fast pace of technological advancement, integrating these tools would better enrich the education of students. Digital audio workstations like Soundtrap, Ableton, and Logic Pro can help students understand the machanics and physics of sound that Western classical theory can't. This also ties into other topics being discussed in different courses. Music composition software like Musescore and Noteflight can assist students in understanding musicianship concepts and creative expression. Using various forms of media like photos, video, audio, and visuals can make education more accessible to students. Technology isn't vital depending on the area of music, but these resources and tools can encourage the creative, safe space in which the music classroom was intended.
Students are at the forefront of their education under any circumstances. My planning and teaching are always carefully crafted with the students’ intention. Examples include collaboration opportunities, supporting authenticity, and developing an environment that encourages constructive criticism from the teacher and peers. I can implement these ideas in the modern music classroom by fostering creative music-making and reflecting on past performances with students
I can assess the progress of my students by visibly seeing their engagement during rehearsals and classtime. Having students feel an emotional bond to music and making the music classroom as a home on campus is a big priority of mine as an educator because that is also how I can build trust with my students. That trust can translate in the effectiveness of my learning strategies in rehearsal settings. The result will be an exciting and passionate classroom that strives for the best in themselves and for the ensemble.
Takeaways from “MUSIC 110B: Musicality and Creativity in Childhood” Course
Always be comfortable with the unexpected and adapt at a moment’s notice
Take time to articulate my thoughts to develop a clear and concise message
When taking the time to create a lesson plan, making things simpler is always preferred
Inclusivity and Diversity in Music Education. National Association for Music Education (2017) https://nafme.org/resource/inclusivity-and-diversity-in-music-education-2/
