Hannah Steele

Philosophy of Education

02/01/2024

Music education should not consist of mere rehearsal for the sake of a concert. If that is

what the classroom consists of, students will become frustrated and burn out. In my classroom, I

will be teaching with different strategies to best serve each student’s learning domain. This not

only insures that each student is taught in a way that will help them understand the content, but

also keep students interested. Varying instructional styles also allows students to walk away from

the classroom with more than just what they have played or sang in class- they are able to make

connections between class and what happens outside of class. While it is important to survey the

needs of students as a collective whole, I believe that what sets a good teacher apart from a great

one is an educator who can cater to each individual’s learning needs as well as vary the methods

of instruction to keep the class interesting for students.

In my classroom, each and every student will not only seen, but also believed in and

acknowledged for what they bring to the ensemble. It is also crucial that the students are able to

work with each other, regardless of the skill level between them. When more experienced

students are partnered up with those who have less experience, those who have more experience

have the ability to refine their skills while teaching their peers, and those who are newer have the

ability to learn something new from someone their age. Both groups will come together for a

common cause, which is the success of their ensemble. By working beyond the ensemble, they

will practice skills that will help them succeed outside the classroom.

I believe students, at any age level, should have an input in what their repertoire is for

their classroom. Not only does this give the students autonomy, they would also be more
motivated to learn a piece if they choose it themselves. Music as an art form is all about

expression through sound- when the teacher of a music classroom is the only one with a say over

the music selection, this takes away the artistic expression and freedom of the students. Even in

the 21st century, the music world and literature is dominated by white men. My classroom will

consist of students outside of that demographic, and those students have every right to feel

represented in the music that is sung or played in their classrooms. By giving the students an

input in what music is part of the repertoire, they are welcome and able to openly suggest a piece

or a topic that connects back to their identity.

Lastly, I believe that there is a place for every student in my classroom. Every student

should have the opportunity to participate in both vocal and instrumental music concurrently.

Some students will gravitate towards choral music, others towards instrumental, and for more

still it may just be a class to fill a requirement. Regardless, it is imperative as an educator to

realize the potential in every student that walks through the classroom door. More importantly, it

is essential the student also realizes that potential in themselves. I will help each and every

student realize their potential in the music classroom by providing them with a space where they

are able to grow and make mistakes and learn from said mistakes, but also by guiding them

towards the goals they have, no matter how big or small.