Music has been my passion ever since I began playing the oboe eight years ago. Because I was inspired by so many amazing music educators, I decided to major in music education. Music allows me to create art in the silence that surrounds us. I believe that music is a way to evoke emotion and feelings. I find that exposure to multiple forms of music ignites an appreciation for all genres of music including movie scores, world music, popular music, and music from many different eras. It is important that my students interact with a multitude of genres because different forms of music can affect students in different ways. Students may be passionate about a certain movie. It is imperative that I engage these students by listening to the music of John Williams, Jon Kull, or Conrad Pope. Additionally, students may be passionate about their culture which I love to use for representation in the classroom. Students, finally, often get excited to perform one of their favorite pop tunes on their instruments. Students are engaged with music in many different ways, so it is important that I find a way to get each student engaged in music.

I am an energetic educator with a big personality. I strive to be flexible with all of my students by creating an individualized plan for them to succeed. Students whom I teach during private lessons deserve a plan that is individualized toward them. I begin by focusing on what a student is doing well. I use that as a ground to begin instruction. From there, I analyze elements of a student’s playing that could be improved and use techniques aimed at strengthening that area. I enjoy teaching private lessons because it is easy to develop a plan that works for each student. 

In addition to teaching private lessons, I love teaching group instruction. I like to work with full ensembles because students are able to see how working together creates a beautiful art form. Together, we practice notes and rhythms, and then, we share ideas about expressive musical elements. Often, I record students performing a piece for the first time and the last time. I allow them to compare both and reflect upon the work we have done together. Students truly begin to understand the meaning of teamwork and collaboration when we work hard at a song over time.

In order to be successful, students should be focused and flexible. Things may not work right away, but if we persevere, we will grow. I show my students their improvement by recording their performance on day 1 to compare to their performance down the road. 

I am determined to develop a plan to allow each and every student to succeed. With an individualized curriculum, I can focus on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. I challenge myself to become a better educator for each of my students. Each student teaches me more about being an educator, and I am grateful for it.