Philosophical Statement
The purpose of music in K-12 education is not to mass produce exceptional musicians, but rather to guide exceptional human beings whose well-rounded education, as a result of music, will serve them to lead a more fulfilling life.
Inclusion
Students should feel safe enough in the classroom to be willing to explore their comfort zones. This is especially important in music as it is stereotyped to be such an elite activity. To feel safe they mustn't feel outcasted because of their abilities or lack thereof, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or gender. ALL students are welcome in the classroom. Furthermore, my students will learn the importance of compassion, acceptance, respect, and empathy. These four components were implemented in my own life when I joined SPARC's LIVE ART program. The program aims to create an inclusive environment to cultivate arts education skills that is accessible for every student. Participating in this program changed the way I see the world, especially as an educator.
Classroom Management
ENGAGEMENT: Keeping the students engaged will prevent them from distraction. A well planned lesson/rehearsal will decrease the chances of students filling the space themselves.
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RELATIONSHIPS: The other component to successful classroom management is having a positive relationship with the students. Building relationships rely on trust. Gaining trust, particularly with older students, depends greatly on consistency and authenticity. Humans, especially children and adolescents, crave stability.