Music Education Philosophy

“Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make

connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If we are to hope
for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a vital part of our children's
education.” This quote by American cellist Yo Yo Ma inspires my philosophy of music
education in its understanding that teaching extends far beyond the music itself. I teach
music because of its possibilities for self-expression, deeper thinking, and most
importantly, cooperation and peace.

Creativity and self-expression are vital for students in maintaining healthy,

balanced lives. Participation in music provides this outlet and allows students to foster
and develop their unique human traits through self-expression and communication.
Developing skills in music transfers to many other aspects of life, academic and
social. Music is a cognitive stimulant. Practicing and performing music provides
students with skills in critical thinking, discipline, and cooperation among peers. Further,
performing music gives students a sense of ownership, accomplishment, and helps them
to gain confidence. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about music is its
universality. Music transcends barriers of language and celebrates cultural differences. It
is a channel through which students connect and cooperate with one another despite all
sorts of demographic differences.

As a classically trained pianist and vocalist with a passion for playing indie folk
music, I believe that a well-rounded music education encompasses all styles of music and
performance practice. I hope through my music classes that students may find a musical
outlet that resonates with them and allows them to express themselves in and outside the
classroom. Whether my students are singing in choir together or jamming in a small
group with instruments, I hope my classes will serve as a safe space for students to be
creative individually and cooperatively. Skills of creativity and cooperation are
invaluable to any pursuit in life, musical and nonmusical, and they are skills I hope to
foster in my classroom. Given the turmoil in our world, it is my goal to teach tolerance
and peace through music. I believe every student is an integral member of the classroom,
and each student’s learning style, culture, and personality should be honored and
celebrated, as these are the elements that make the classroom more beautiful and unique.
I hope to carry out this philosophy by creating experiences that are inclusive for all
students, regardless of their background or learning style. Celebrating these differences in
the classroom helps students to be more kind and accepting individuals.

To help students grow musically through exploring music of different genres,

cultures, and techniques, creating a fun and meaningful experience with music while
exploring the breadth of everything music has to offer is the basis of my teaching
philosophy and my career as a music educator.