Philosophy of Music Education

I believe that all educators have a strong voice against oppressive societal systems and it is

essential that we use this voice to strive for equity, diversity, and justice through education. Music is a

synthesis of the human experience and therefore I believe music education should not be taught without

equal consideration given to the broader social issues it encompasses. In the music classroom, students

should develop both a personal appreciation for music and an understanding of the socio-cultural contexts

within which it exists. As a music educator, I will work to provide all students equitable opportunities for

meaningful, culturally relevant musical and personal growth, and a foundation that allows them to

positively impact society.

Learning music should be a creative, individual process in which students with different

experiences and needs can grow and have positive learning experiences, rather than being based on a

singular path to success. All music students should experience personal progress in a way that is

meaningful to them personally. Music education should increase students’ self-confidence as a result of a

combination of individual accomplishments, or their progress as a member of performing ensembles. My

teaching practices will be reflexive, informed by what my students are passionate about learning, and

guided by what will help them affirm their own identities and cultural competence.

Students should be taught to personally engage and critically question the world around them so

that they are prepared to interact in real human communities. Students should be encouraged to challenge

and critically discuss information from non-dominant perspectives as they address social questions and

discuss cultural issues that maintain inequities. I will teach from perspectives beyond the western

European standards, focusing on the interests of the particular students I am teaching. I will teach with an

understanding of how the history of oppression, racism, and xenophobia in education limits educational

opportunities for minoritized groups and will strive to teach equitably by providing all students the

resources, care, and support necessary for their success.

 In my music classroom, I will go beyond just programming works from diverse composers and

styles. For example, I will not only teach about traditionally African American music styles like rap,

spiritual, gospel, and jazz, but I will facilitate cultural discussions about the eras and circumstances from

which these music styles were born. I can also create a more engaging cultural education by inviting

speakers such as parents or local musicians to share their experiences, and artistry in order to provide a

more immersive environment. I plan to facilitate a variety of discussions on relevant issues, for example,

why certain groups are underrepresented in historically popular music genres, harmful cultural stereotypes

in music, dangers of cultural appropriation in the arts, and how music can be used in abstract and concrete

ways to enact positive change.

I will actively avoid any teaching or assessment practices that disadvantage certain students. I will

be cognizant of the wide differences in students’ backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences and create

an equitable, supportive environment for all students whenever possible. I will never assume I know what

a particular student or family needs to succeed, instead I will ask what I can do. In the classroom, I will

not group students by ability and work to never judge a student’s chances for success based on race or

background.

My overall goal will be to provide experiences that give my students the tools and background to

appreciate and continue experiencing music throughout their lives when they are no longer in a

classroom, however that may look for them individually. I believe some of the most influential music

experiences come from being able to make genuine connections to their own lives, whether directly

through the music, or by discovering how music fits positively into their lifestyle. I will strive for a

teaching environment that supports the growth of every student, not just some who thrive under a set of

strict circumstances. I will work to develop students’ creativity and imaginativeness and subsequently

teach them to think for themselves and develop their own world-views. My education practices will be

rooted in my goal to teach in a way that encourages students to never stop learning, be positive

participants in society, and be voices for positive social change throughout their lives.