Standard 1: The teacher of PK-12 music has skills in pedagogy (planning, delivering instruction, and

assessment) for vocal, instrumental, and general music.

It is important for the teacher of PK-12 music to have skills in pedagogy for vocal, instrumental, and
general music because a broad pedagogical skill set is foundational to a strong understanding of the
interplay between the different aspects of a musical work. Because the teacher operates as a director
whose hands are involved in every aspect of the performance, as opposed to an isolated part, this
expanded perspective is integral to both successful performances and the development of skillful
musicianship within students.

When I consider myself as an educator, I have developed experience in teaching and evaluation through
working in school classrooms as an assistant and mentor. In this role, I both worked with students who
were falling behind the rest of the class to make sure they understood the content, and organized
programs to get students excited about the skills they were learning in class. I also have experience in
teaching and evaluation through avenues including the management of a summer STEM camp, where I
helped to organize the education of campers in building positive relationships; research surrounding
music therapy and support in the implementation of drama and music therapy services as an aide for
Barrier-Free Theatre; service as a resident assistant where I facilitated the development of positive
relations between neighbors and helped to connect residents to the resources available for them; and
through research into barriers in access to music education for interested students. Through these
experiences in conjunction with my academic studies, Ive learned the value of a stepwise approach to
teaching which is flexible to student needs, and the need for programming which both challenges
students and provides them with opportunities to create for themselves.

While at K-State, I studied music theory, history and piano. In addition, I explored the brass section,
woodwinds, percussion and strings, in addition to my vocal and choral studies. One example of the
impact this has had on my pedagogical approach is in my focus while serving as a student conductor for
K-States production of Orffs Carmina Burana. I evaluated the orchestras role in the piece to effectively
grasp the interplay between the instruments and the voices. I wanted to be sure that singers knew what
cues they would receive from the pit, where to find their pitches, and the overall idea being described in
the music. This helped me to prepare the choirs to understand the accompaniment so that the two parts
could truly complement one another.
As a music educator, my understanding of vocal, instrumental, and general music will serve to provide
me with an expanded understanding of the concepts I teach. Through this expanded approach, I can
help students to truly develop a sense of musicianship that will serve them in their future musical
endeavors.