Mission Statement

“Where words fail, music speaks.” – Hans Christian Anderson

Music can affect human understanding and interpretation of the world. It stresses the importance of
developing creative problem solving skills undoubtedly critical for success in our rapidly changing economy.
Music fosters the development of learning about ourselves and those around us. Due to the creativity and
design utilized in every aspect of the professional world; the development of music skills is necessary. As a
music educator I seek to guide pupils that they might obtain achievement in their own way. I use a content rich
discipline-based approach to teaching music education for multiple types of learners—which includes teaching
theory, history, aesthetics & criticism and performance practice overall.
I have developed curriculum for the K-12 music classroom that uses interdisciplinary methods to
enhance learning, creativity, innovation, and community outreach that meets the needs of a diverse population
of students and a rapidly changing technological world. With human and ecological diversity at the heart of my
teaching practice, I am exploring how music education can merge diverse student interests and passions in an
evolving, responsive and socially relevant way. The most valuable lesson for music students to learn is to
pursue their own path, defining and refining ideas while developing the experience and necessary traits to
execute them. Inquisitiveness and confidence in the process combined with a critical awareness of the context
within which successful performance is achieved, enables students to engage in continuous examination of their
world. I attempt to create a challenging but supportive atmosphere in class. My teaching combines
encouragement of exploration while providing students the conceptual and technical tools needed to produce,
understand, and improve their understanding overall. I structure my classes in a manner that encourages
dialogue in the context of teaching formal and critical thinking skills. In introductory classes, I apply a strong
emphasis on exposing students to a range of skills and techniques required for appropriate study, practice and
performance.
My mission as a music educator is to create a learning environment that addresses the needs of a diverse
population and to provide students with an atmosphere in which creative thinking is encouraged and developed.
My goal is to ensure a learning environment that is tolerant of their identity as human beings; finding and
making personal connections with a diverse population of learners is something I develop through collaboration
with students, educators, community, as well as my own personal reflection and professional development.
I am honored to share, appreciative to learn, and grateful to serve.