I value building a healthy respectful learning community in my classroom.

This entails

creating a space where students are free to explore concepts and try new things without threat

of being penalized by myself or other students. I feel that this is imperative to having a positive

learning environment in the classroom.

Critical thinking is a primary goal of my teaching and musical success is the medium I

use to develop that skill. I believe in programming music that is relevant to each individual class

based on playing level, school culture, and student interest. I believe in dedicating class time to

facilitating discussion regarding background information for music being studied as well as

cultural significance, and students' own artistic viewpoints. This creates more involved

performances and gives the students an opportunity to be more immersed in the artistic

process.

I feel that students require precise and consistent feedback in order to succeed. Playing

tests serve the role of the primary assessment method for my classes. Assessment in my

classroom follows a low stakes mentality where the students' greatest competition is

themselves. My rubric for these tests is focused on individual improvement as opposed to

overall benchmarks for the grade level. If students turn in a test and write a short self reflection

following a guided rubric they receive full points for the assignment. Any formal assessments will

be listed at the beginning of the semester and will take the form of concerts and tests based on

concepts covered in class.

My classes are based on creating collaboration whenever possible. This not only includes

within the music classroom. Music classes should, whenever possible, collaborate with other

fine arts programs offered at the school. Some forms this can take include, students playing in

collaboration with the theater program for a musical or featuring visual arts created by students

in unique ways at music concerts. I feel that this is something the art community is embracing as
a whole and that it gives our students more opportunities to showcase their talent to different

audiences.

I believe that parental support and communication are critical to a highly functioning music

program. Without the support of our community and students' families, it is much more difficult

to create interest in student projects and concerts. I want my students' parents to know that I am

available to discuss the individual needs and abilities of their children in order to create a

successful learning environment for them. In addition, I want parents to want to be in the seats

at our concerts. I look to achieve this by representing the values of the school as well as the

local community in our performances.