Teaching Philosophy (Beliefs)

I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the most fantastic teachers and mentors
throughout my career. It is because of them that I am the musician and educator that I have
become today. When I think about what makes a good teacher, I refer to what was
demonstrated to me over the years. The qualities of a good teacher include someone who is an
inspiration to their students. They provide their students the room to express themselves and
encourage the use of their talents and creativity. They devote their time to the students and
make them a priority. All of my teachers, including my professors from college, are examples of
these qualities and more. Having your students understand that they can depend on their
teachers can help create a positive learning environment for all.

The first chapter of “Planning Instruction” by Abrahams & John provides us a list of
points that are essential to becoming a great teacher. American Psychologist Howard Gardner
discusses what school curricula should be focused on - “teaching students the true, beautiful,
and the good”(Pg.6). I think about the power of music and how it can show us the good, truth,
and beauty within ourselves and our environment. Everyone is connected to music in some way.
We listen, create, and respond and provide ourselves a moment to connect emotionally.
Gardner also mentions three types of students featured in the classroom. “The intuitive, the
traditional, and the disciplinary expert”(Pg. 14). Our classrooms will be composed of students
from various cultures and backgrounds, and as teachers, we have to adapt and educate to meet
every student’s learning needs. Therefore, another quality in addition to becoming a great
teacher is being able to adjust and respond to the various learning conditions that are present
within the classroom.

One last quality I have seen from my teachers and mentors I would affirm over any other
quality is their passion. This is the quality that drives the motivation for our students to perform
at their best, and for them to appreciate the practice of collaboration and the joy of making
music together. This is something I would want to see from the students under my direction.
Demonstrating their talents while being connected emotionally, creating an experience for
themselves or an audience that can witness it. It is often said that an ensemble is a
representation of its conductor/teacher. If you’re not willing to show your students how
passionate you are about creating music, then you cannot expect the students to perform at the
highest level of musicianship.

As a graduate of Westminster Choir College, I am a witness to the undying support and

passion that is shown. It made us students more inspired to go on with our day because we
know that every professor is pushing us to succeed and make us a priority. Throughout our
musical experiences, we tend to find new inspirations and reasons to pursue our goals to
become a teacher or a performer. The more we meet people who continue to inspire, the more
music will be shared with so many others. “Good music teachers see nothing wrong with
students who love music for its own sake”(Pg.16). I believe that being a great teacher includes
being an inspiration, being passionate, and being adaptable.

Abrahams, Frank, and Ryan John. Planning Instruction in Music: Writing Objectives,
Assessments, and Lesson Plans to Engage Artistic Processes. GIA Publications, 2015.