Philosophy of Music Education

Philosophy of Music Education

"Where words fail, music speaks," said Hans Christian Andersen.  In my experience as a teacher and musician, I have found that music transcends time and space.  It nurtures one's own spirit and forms connections with others. Music is an innate part of humanity, a beautiful expression of the deepest parts of our being.  It binds us together and gives us joy and harmony. It is my privilege to serve children and help them find their own sense of themselves through Music Education.

In Music Education, one can come to understand, appreciate, and love music. Music has countless benefits including integrative learning, therapeutic value, creative and artistic expression, community building, and music for its own sake.  I believe that as an Elementary Music Educator, I am laying a foundation for my students' emotional, social, academic, and musical development.

Getting to know my students is maybe the first and most important step. I like to recognize and learn each student’s name. I teach over 400 students in a given school year, and it is imperative for me to know each of their names. We will often start the school year with name games and community circles to help build our sense of relationships and trust. I often tell my students that it is important for us to know each other because we learn from each other. In my experience, I have realized that what works for one student may not work for another. I need to know my students before true learning can occur. 

Children love to play and play is an essential part of their development. Music Education serves children because it opens them up to imitation and discovery.  I choose to approach music in an experiential way so that students may find enjoyment and true understanding. In my classroom, students learn through play, singing, movement, and stories.  Once students learn to audiate and understand, playing instruments, creative improvisation, and composition flow out as an extension of what they know and feel inside. My job as an educator is to serve my students as a facilitator on their journey toward this mastery. 

Another necessary facet of student learning is to expose children to a variety of musical genres, cultures, and historical works. It is through listening that students can learn and find their own voice. Students learn to analyze and evaluate music, which helps them ponder a composer’s intent. The exposure to a variety of music helps students understand and apply their knowledge, development, and personal choices.  

I believe my role as a teacher is to facilitate student learning.  I provide multiple opportunities for students to work both independently and collaboratively, giving students the chance to take charge of their own learning. Students are able to read, perform, and create music. Students are also given the job of self-reflection and self-evaluation where they can truly develop the skills necessary for true growth.  

Teacher professional development is crucial to student growth. I have certifications in Orff-Schulwerk and World Music Drumming.  I attend regular professional development in my District, with emphasis on CITW (Curriculum Instruction That Works) strategies, Training in Dyslexia, as well as District Music Professional Development, based on Kodaly, Ukulele playing, and Orff-Schulwerk. I am a part of the St. Louis AOSA and have attended their workshops since 2006. My students are individuals, so it is important for me to learn various instructional methods and create lessons that are differentiated. I also believe that my own musicality must continue to grow, so I have been a part of various performing groups outside of work where I sing and play percussion.

Music Education is also especially unique in that it provides opportunities accessible to all learners.  By implementing different instructional methods and different instrumental, vocal, and movement parts, students can come together as a community to find their strengths, while at the same time finding ways to make them progress even further.  An ensemble is not a solo, but it does provide opportunities for a soloist to shine.  In this form of education, we are allowed to express our own individuality, while at the same time, not forgetting that we need each other to succeed.

Community in the classroom is vital, and a good community extends beyond the classroom. I love to share my students’ talents with the broader community through performances. In my student teaching at Parkway, I helped lead a family folk dance day. At St. Clement, I provided multiple performing opportunities throughout the year including Grandparents Day, Christmas performances, Kindergarten graduation, and competitive Song Festivals. At Fairmount, I helped create our after-school performing ensemble, “Fairmount Finale,” a Choir and Orff ensemble, showcasing skills in singing, percussion, and ukulele performance. Performances strengthen community and family involvement.

Just like reflection and evaluation is  the final step for my students, it is also the final step for me. Data collection is the evidence that learning has taken place. I collect data throughout each quarter to track student growth. I use district assessments along with assessments that include pitch matching, rhythm performance and composition, and note reading. The collection of data is how I self-evaluate to determine if students have a grasp of my subject. I am constantly learning and adjusting lessons to improve growth. I am delighted to see the growth in my students, and I am also pleased with the feedback I have received from my administrators. I am only continuing my growth and look forward to providing an even better program for my students.

My love of music stems from my desire to express myself creatively.  Music Education is how I share that gift with others. By providing my students with tools and pathways needed for musical development, I am fostering a love of music in generations to come. It does not end there however. By approaching music in a way that meets the needs of individuals while strengthening community and interdependence, I am able to create a community of belonging. Through Music Education, my ultimate mission is to teach children to see that they have a voice  worth sharing with the world.