“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel
The word "passion" gets thrown around a lot. "Do what you love, follow your passion!", says the commencement speaker. Too often we consider it an unlikely blessing to wake up every day and feel fulfilled at our profession. Fortunate are we, then, to be music educators. A music educator lives their passion on the daily; as we model our honed musical skills for our students, so too do we teach them and instill within them a spark of creativity and passion for their own love of music.
I believe that music, being an integral part of culture and daily life, must be understood by all. Music is everywhere: on our car radio, on our TV shows and advertisements, in concert halls and public schools and on our cell phones. It is my passion to not only live a musical life, but ignite the spark in every student for lifelong musical appreciation and understanding. Furthermore, it is my belief that all forms of musical expression are valid, and that everyone can and should participate in musical discourse. Whether that be through the performance of classical or vernacular musics, the building of critical listening skills, or the joy of dancing to a live performance at a concert hall, there is music in the heart of everyone and room for everyone's heart in the music classroom.
As a music educator, I have the opportunity to showcase the hard work and talents of each student. With encouragement and guidance, I aim to give each student the tools they need to be as successful as they choose to be in my classroom. I believe that students of every background and experience have the choice to be responsible for their actions as musicians and community members, and that it is my role to help them in being accountable for their choices. With the proper amount of guidance, every student can communicate musically in an effective and powerful way.
My approach is student centered and teaches to the whole student. I value what goes on in the lives of my students outside of my class, because I know how much it impacts the deeply personal nature of their musical performance. I believe in giving students an appropriate amount of control over what music they study, so that they might feel a personal connection with their studies. I value a well-rounded and research-guided curriculum that gives students the knowledge and perspective they need to be lifelong musical learners.
Ultimately, it is my hope that students leave their experience with music education as risk-takers, builders of community and positivity, and agents of expression and respect. It is my hope that, whatever they should do post-graduation, that they do it the way they make music: with passion.