Educational Philosophy

Music is a universal language that everyone understands through the realm of the culture
in which it resides. Music itself is inspiring, no matter if you are playing an instrument, singing,
or just listening. It can bring people together, encourage positivity, and touch people’s hearts.
The world needs more music, and my goal is to inspire young students to pursue their passions
through it. My goal as an educator is to understand their way of learning, and also to engage
them in activities using musical concepts. I want to be an advocate for students in my classroom.
Not only with their music, but with their personal lives as well. In my classroom, I want to show
my students the “why” we exist through the powerful influence of music. I believe that music
education is more than teaching, it is an art that is expressed through emotion and attention to
students around the globe. It is important to me to create a safe and interactive environment in
my classroom.
I plan to be the teacher that makes learning about music and music theory fun so that
students’ perceptions are changed from boring, to be engaged and excited to produce their
personality through music. My style of teaching would be hands-on while interacting closely
with students through different instruments, singing, and listening to the different genres of
music. Students would experience the theory and history behind modern music rather than just
blindly listening to it. I was empowered by the recorder in my elementary school, and without
the teacher who encouraged it, playing the flute and piano as a profession would never have
crossed my mind. My teachers focused on the needs of each student, and I would like to continue
their path to get down on student’s levels in order to make music a positive experience. Putting
my students and their mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional needs first is my priority as a
teacher. I want to make sure they leave my classroom knowing how to invest themselves into
their passion: music or not. It is my job to spark the joy of learning new knowledge through the
power of music. Music education is an effective way to spread knowledge. According to John
Locke, “no knowledge comes to the mind except through the senses.” I will pour my own
experiences and shape my curriculum to meet the needs of my students through an individual
application. My personal music education philosophy will encourage the spread of passion,
responsibility, and emotional security into the lives of my students.
Music in and of itself is a form of self expression. I grew up around music. My mom sang
in our church choir, I took piano lessons starting at the age of 5 all the way through high school
graduation. My brother was also involved by taking guitar lessons, and he taught some things to
my dad because he was interested as well. Music has been the way my family connects with one
another, and I want to transfer that connection to my classroom. It is a unique way to bond with
others through the way music expresses emotion with and without words. In other courses, it is
difficult to discover who an individual can become. One typically does not get a chance to
explore the subject matter in a way that connects to the emotions of the person. Music exposes
the innermost feelings of self. In a way, music is magical because of how it can open up
everything youre feeling emotionally, and everything you are experiencing in your life. I want to
provide a path for my students to discover who they are through a musical outlet. They are able
to compose, create, build leadership skills, develop teamwork strategies/skills, and outwardly
emote in a safe setting. Music is a wonderful subject to educate students with because the
knowledge obtained over my course is applicable to life outside of the classroom setting.
 Educational systems are only as strong as their students. I have seen many of my teachers
step up and go above and beyond for their students in order to make the class connect to music.
This internal connection encourages personal growth as a person, then evolves into a deeper
understanding of “self.” Music encourages deeper thinking into “who am I? What do I really
enjoy? What is my purpose?” I can encourage my students to find themselves by allowing
creative thinking in my classroom. My students will be free to explore the questions of “self” by
composition, singing, playing an instrument, song writing, etc. As teachers, we are called to
show students what it is like to become “human.” Plato, the philosopher, believed that human
nature is three-sided: it has a reason, it is fueled by spirit or will, and passions/feelings guide
one’s thoughts and decisions. Through that point of view, Plato illustrates how human interaction
is driven by purpose. Music education dives into the rationale of why we live. As an educator, it
is my job to not only teach music but to make it exciting. Music is engaging because it reaches
the Mind and encourages creativity in one’s existence. My classroom will include productive
feedback from myself and the student’s peers. This helps their minds’ expand to creativity, as
well as provides a constructive and creative learning environment. My student’s time is valuable
to me, so I will encourage them whenever they feel discouraged. It is important as an educator to
consistently believe in the students and make sure they are being heard so they know they are
seen and valued. I will take the time to speak into their lives and invest in their mental growth
and well-being.
I became a music educator because of the legacy my music teachers have left in my
hands. They have taught me how to be a good friend, mentor, and teacher. Music is to be lived,
not only taught. It is an experience, and I expect my students to leave with an impression of the
deeper meaning and purpose of music’s exsistance. If they can do that, then I have done my job
as the music educator. I am looking forward to the first day in my own classroom where I can be
the teacher that makes a student realize how being involved in music is something they feel
inspired to pursue in their future. Each music teacher I’ve had has inspired me to never give up
and to push past my boundaries. They used music to help shape who I am, and my hope for the
future is to impact students just as my past educators did to me. Their passion and
encouragement make me who I am today. They helped me gain self-confidence, self-discipline,
and compassion for others. I will be the teacher that encourages the establishment of these traits
into my students, and music is the best way introduce this knowledge into students.