Nora Reschke

Philosophy Statement

I have always known I was going to be a music teacher someday. Growing up with a

grandmother who inspired me and helped discover my passion for music, I started piano lessons

young, and continued with the clarinet in fifth grade. Since then, I kept taking opportunities to

learn. My school’s music classroom was a welcoming environment that I felt safe in. I knew I

wanted to be able to guide others to feel as joyful, passionate, and welcomed as I have

throughout my musical journey. To do this, I will be a supportive, encouraging role model for my

students, and my classroom will look and feel like a community.

I have been able to take my passion and understand the inner workings of music which

keeps me on the path to be a successful educator. I have gained numerous experiences and have

taken in knowledge on subjects such as music history and music theory and continue to utilize

those materials. Through CMP plans on the repertoire that I select, I will incorporate learning

about music theory and history. Supplementing the learning that happens throughout the year, I

plan to incorporate an end-of-the-year composition project. With this project, I hope to facilitate

the development of students’ individual creativity and encourage them to apply the knowledge

and skills they’ve gained throughout the year.

I have gained an understanding of pupil development, knowing the importance of using

effective language and teaching methods that best suit the students grade level and learning

abilities. I plan to incorporate resources such as posters around the classroom that have common

musical terms. From my classes, I have developed a strong sense of pedagogy. I have put this

pedagogy to practice through opportunities to lead sectionals. In these sectionals, I build upon

playing fundamentals and musical ideas. In my classroom, I will be precise in word choice, give
demonstrations, and provide numerous examples to my students to reach all learning types and

abilities.

Adding the Adaptive Music Certification to my degree plan showed me the importance of

making sure all students can use their creativity and express themselves through music. Because

of this certification, I feel confident in having the necessary tools to make my classroom

inclusive. Within this certificate, I have learned how to make adaptations to numerous

instruments and equipment which allows full inclusion for all students. This can look like having

mallets with larger stick ends to allow better grip for students with physical disabilities, or

providing more space in the classroom for movement. Other teaching ideas include teaching by

rote, teaching step by step, planning activities that encourage independence, and providing

worksheets.

I have also learned skills to help with behavioral management and ideas to prevent certain

behaviors, while also finding ways to support students in a time of need. Not only is it important

to support students through teaching methods and by adapting instruments, but being there to

support emotionally is important too. I plan to have resources for support for my students and to

give my support at times of need.

Having the ability to fully include all students is important to me. I strive to ensure my

classroom is a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can find what inspires their

creativity. I believe that having a disability should not limit one's ability to create and perform

music and I plan to make sure all students have the right tools and resources to do so. Music can

bring a sense of belonging to a student through imagination and creativity. Students can find a

sense of self, belonging, and purpose. Music is creativity, imagination, and inspiration. Music is

a shared experience that I strive for everyone to have access to.