Music education is a vital part to the education and development of our youth. With all the issues that are in the world today our students need a safe emotional outlet; music can be just that for many students. Music helps boost self-confidence, and promotes self-discipline. Music exposes students to cultures they would not normally experience, and promotes multicultural understanding. Music is complex and incorporates many topics; it touches on all areas of learning, from math and science to history and language arts. It is a “whole brain” learning experience that every student should have the opportunity to have.
The number one reason I want to become a music educator and work with children is so I can change people’s lives with music as it has changed mine. Also I want to be a music educator, because music is what I love to do, it is what I am good at. I also want a job I enjoy waking up and going to everyday. I truly believe when I get my own classroom I will be excited to go to work.
Just until recently my goal as a teacher was going to be replicating the experiences I had in school with my future students. I was told in a conversation that I had with one of my past educators, that goal was not the right goal to have. He told me that the most important thing is that every student you teach has an amazing experience, and you may have to stray from what you know to make sure that happens. That is why I want to be a music educator, so I make sure every child I come into contact with has an amazing experience.
The secret to effective teaching in my opinion is building a relationship with your students. Alfie Kohn wrote in his book Feel-Bad Education, “Students are more likely to succeed in a place they feel known and cared about”. I could not agree more with him on this statement.
Not only do I want to be an educator, I want to be mentor as well. Every student needs a person to talk with and vent to. With bullying being such a huge problem in our schools, and suicide rates at an all time high the need for caring and understanding teachers is vital.
I feel my passion for music, teaching, and helping others is going to be the best quality I bring with me to my classroom. This quality will help me build relationships with my students. This will also motivate me to teach them to understand, and obtain as many musical techniques as possible.
