Engagement
I believe engagement and expertise go hand in hand. As a musician, I must be an expert on my instrument and and expert in theoretical, pedagogical, and historical knowledge. However, as an educator, I must be an expert in engaging my students first and foremost. Ambition and respect are crucial to engagement. Without an ambitious teacher, the students may lose interest in the class; also, if the teacher doesn't show respect towards the students, then the students won't respect the teacher and he will lose engagement as a result. Challenging but attainable goals are also essential for the students' engagement. If the work or activities are too difficult, then the students get discouraged; however, if the activity is too simple, the students may find it silly or unimportant. A fine balancing act of all of these is essential to the success of the students as well as the educator.
Music provides multiple opportunities for students to stay involved and engaged in school and develop various skills. In the classroom, I must engage my students in a variety of ways. Singing and playing a varied repetoire of music allows multiple opportunities for students to express their talents and grow as musicians. Letting them evaluate themselves, their peers, and professional musicians live or via recordings engages them in problem solving and critical thinking. In addition to playing, listening, and analyzing music, I must instill an understanding of how music relates to other arts and disciplines outside the arts; in addition, I need to teach my students how history and culture relates to music. This allows them to connect what they learn in the music classroom to other disciplines or activities that interest them.
Engaging in my professional relationships and constantly pursuing knowledge as it becomes available is just as important as engaging my students. Staying updated on national education standards and current events will help me in this regard. Organizations such as the National Band Association (NBA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will be crucial in my pursuit for educational partnerships; furthermore, I trust that my present and future peers will be indespensible when it comes to any questions I may have or help I may need when I begin my profession. Furthermore, an educator must constantly evaluate himself and his choices and keep an open mind while doing so. Self-assessment through video and audio recordings of performances, conducting or teaching in rehearsals, and personal practice time can be key in this aspect. It is also essential that a teacher allow criticism from colleagues and other professionals in the community, parents, and students to help refine his demeanor both in and out of the classroom. As long as I do these things, I can pass my knowledge and expertise onto my students through engaging and passionate lessons that will in turn create better scholars, creative problem solvers, and ambitious individuals to create a better tomorrow.
Music provides multiple opportunities for students to stay involved and engaged in school and develop various skills. In the classroom, I must engage my students in a variety of ways. Singing and playing a varied repetoire of music allows multiple opportunities for students to express their talents and grow as musicians. Letting them evaluate themselves, their peers, and professional musicians live or via recordings engages them in problem solving and critical thinking. In addition to playing, listening, and analyzing music, I must instill an understanding of how music relates to other arts and disciplines outside the arts; in addition, I need to teach my students how history and culture relates to music. This allows them to connect what they learn in the music classroom to other disciplines or activities that interest them.
Engaging in my professional relationships and constantly pursuing knowledge as it becomes available is just as important as engaging my students. Staying updated on national education standards and current events will help me in this regard. Organizations such as the National Band Association (NBA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will be crucial in my pursuit for educational partnerships; furthermore, I trust that my present and future peers will be indespensible when it comes to any questions I may have or help I may need when I begin my profession. Furthermore, an educator must constantly evaluate himself and his choices and keep an open mind while doing so. Self-assessment through video and audio recordings of performances, conducting or teaching in rehearsals, and personal practice time can be key in this aspect. It is also essential that a teacher allow criticism from colleagues and other professionals in the community, parents, and students to help refine his demeanor both in and out of the classroom. As long as I do these things, I can pass my knowledge and expertise onto my students through engaging and passionate lessons that will in turn create better scholars, creative problem solvers, and ambitious individuals to create a better tomorrow.