I believe that music education is a critical subject for the development of children. There are so many different aspects that music contains which help shape children into well-rounded individuals. Where is the place that people get the most music experience? From their peers, which they see at school. I believe that when students are exposed to music, they are exposed to a world of possibilities. Music education is a space where students can combine aspects from different subject areas of school to work together and create beautiful sounds. Like the central concept states, music is the expression of the human experience through sound. How better can students express their emotions with what they are going through as adolescents than through music? Music is also a place that any student can participate in and feel welcome. The music classroom is a place meant for all.

Paul Carver once said “Music deserves to be the mandatory second languages of all schools in the world”. This statement rings true for me. Music has become a way of connecting people all over the world. I believe a language that anyone can speak is music, there is no language barrier over staff paper from country to country. Students can learn respect for other cultures and for those that are different from them through music. Every culture has a different genre of music that they hold dear to themselves. Students can learn about these by performing different pieces. Whether the instrumentation or language might be different than what they are used to hearing, they can appreciate how everyone has their differences. Students also learn about coming together can create beautiful things. When different voice parts or different instruments play different notes, students work together to create beautiful chords.

As a music educator, I see to it that it is my duty to be there for my students, assure them that mistakes are okay to make, everyone has the ability to make “music” and no matter the talent level, and that everyone should be encouraged to try. One of the main influences that made me want to teach music was having the privilege of having such phenomenal music teachers in my schooling. Not only were they good at creating music and being great directors, they knew how to connect with every student. It is important to see that all students are people and for them to see as well that even teachers are human. A crucial component in development and lesson to learn in life is that mistakes are okay to make. Even teachers are not perfect and can make mistakes. If students do not learn that it is okay to be brave and to take risks, they will be timid and hold back and never try and reach their full potential. Music is a place where students can make mistakes along the way and can learn from them to make the outcome the best it can be. Students should not be afraid to sing a wrong note or come in a beat too early, in fact, they should be acknowledged and be able to take critique. The feedback that my students will receive from me will only better them as musicians. Stating and being aware that everyone can music is crucial. Students should not feel as if they cannot play something because they are not a natural at it or do not bear the talent that a classmate may have. A student should never, ever be told that they should stop playing because they are not good. Music is a skill that everyone learns at a different pace. It may take more time for one student to learn a rhythm than another, but that does not mean that they are not capable of it.

Music gives students the confidence that they need to be successful in life. Being able to perform something in front of others is intimidating and takes a lot of courage. This translates over to when students will have to give presentations and go into interviews in their future. Music has so much to offer students, it would be a crime to take something away that adds so much to what society is asking them to be.

I believe that every child has the right to an education. Just because one is marked “special needs” does not make them more or less of a person. I strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn and go to school. Some may need adaptations to help make their education beneficial and manageable for them, but that does not mean they cannot do it. Those that are “special” may need more guidance, aid, and support to help them in their journey through school. I believe that I am supposed to help every child I can, to the best of my ability, to help them achieve goals. I am a firm believer in making sure my classroom is a safe space, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mentality, socioeconomic class, etc. We all come from different backgrounds and can come together and make something beautiful happen.

Some students may find it hard to have trust in others, due to some traumatic event, toxic relationships, have the belief that they can manage on their own, and many other similar factors. I want every student to know that in my music classroom, WE are a community and a family. You cannot spell chorus without US. To help students be able to manage pain, I will make sure that everyone can use music as a way to cope with the pain. If a student really connects to a piece of music or a type of instrument more than they thought was possible, they might begin to open up to me, the teacher. Over the course of my years in numerous collegiate choirs, I have felt a connection to a piece or two more so than others. Before concerts and during class, we take time to discuss the meaning of different pieces to us. Some people may not be able to connect to a song but can do something FOR another person. An example would be, this song makes Johnny feel connected to his grandmother that had died, someone can sing that song for Johnny and enhance the meaning for Johnny and for themselves.

With every person being a unique individual, some students experience ADD or ADHD problems. I believe that my classroom is a place that students can get the goals I set ahead of them done. With the pacing of a normal music class, I feel like I will be able to keep kids’ attention. I will spend no more than 10 minutes on a single task, unless it is a concert prep day. I believe that music is to be a fun way to get kids to learn things, whether they realize it or not. I will have students watch different videos, play different instruments, different movement games, and singing different songs with movement in them. Music is not a thing that one can do and sit still, music is a medium in which we can use to express ourselves. For those with attention problems, the pacing of my classroom might become one of their favorite ones.

Some students have more mental health issues than others, along the lines of anxiety, depression, suicide, and other irrational phobias. I will always let know that my office has an open door policy. Making sure that students are surrounded with love and support is one of my musts. I strive to create positive environments because positivity can really make or break a person. I will make sure to maintain a community and positive environment for my students. Making sure my students are included is one of my top priorities. I will have check-ins with my students and have choir buddies to make sure no one is left out. I have had friends that were in choir that passed away and it was horrible, but I was able to get through it with my choir family.