Learning about music in schools is an endeavor that requires creativity, patience, focus, and dedication. In comparison to other core classes, music is a very hands-on, involved subject where the students must work as a team. To best suit that kind of learning, a music teacher must find ways to fully engage the students, encourage them to explore its creative limits, and keep their morale up when failure comes along. Teachers need to have many teaching strategies on hand at all times to ensure every student comprehends the concepts being used in a particular piece. Not every student will learn the material at the same rate or in the same manner. However, music educators must be able to take these different levels of understanding and form a functional, fruitful ensemble. Every student needs to feel that their musical contribution matters, while their talents are being stretched. 

I believe that an important part of music education is establishing the learning environment as positive yet disciplined. For me, a student-centered approach is most fitting with a focus on structure. When students begin to take my class, they need to understand that respecting school rules as well as my authority in the role as teacher is needed for us to be able to work together well. This does not mean that the students will have no freedom or enjoyment of the class; it means that if I do not have respect from my students in the classroom, nothing will be accomplished. The rules must come first, then when those have become established, the environment can relax more. During this stage, I will make sure that the students also understand how our time will be structured together, so they begin to see a routine they can depend on.

From there, we can begin to work on the material for the class, whether that be new repertoire or learning how to play an instrument. With my established learning environment, I can begin cultivating personal relationships with my students through the instruction. One way to create a connection between the lesson and us as people is to use lighthearted stories or metaphors, personal or general, to help the students understand the concepts. This allows my students to view me as approachable and personable, without losing my role as an authority figure. For example, when describing how to properly hold the bow as a beginner violinist or violist, the student should be able to feel the second knuckle of their thumb. To check for this knuckle, I can have the students run their fingers over their thumb as if they are petting a nice little orange cat. I can make the room feel more enjoyable and less rigid by adding a level of childlike imagination to it. Doing techniques such as this will also help to engage their attention, as it relates the concept on their level. 

When running a rehearsal, I believe that the delivery of instructions is very important. To make sure the students do not get discouraged, I will be sure to offer praise on what they have improved on before moving to constructive criticism. When a particular section of the piece requires extra attention, I will be firm in my instructions, but gentle in my delivery. When that section is improved, I will make sure to note the success in a way that makes them feel proud of their accomplishment. I think demonstration is an effective way of teaching musical concepts, particularly difficult notes, rhythms, or even the accentuation of those notes. When demonstrating, it is helpful to first show what I am looking for. If I don’t get the results I hope for, I will show them correctly again, followed by what I am hearing from them in comparison, and show the correct version a third time. I will try to be very clear in describing what the difference is between our versions, and offer suggestions on how to adjust the section to better match my version. Again, when they succeed at mastering the passage, I will be sure to celebrate the success.

While I am emphasizing respect from students to the teacher, that does not take away from the fact that education is all about the students. It is unfair to ask for respect from my students if I do not respect them in return. I find it essential that my students feel valued, and that I show them that I value them through my teaching while being able to meet the goals that have been set for them. Through personalization of the lesson material and a learning environment that is safe for failure, I believe that an enjoyable yet efficient classroom can be accomplished. Music has the capability of releasing so much passion and happiness for us, and I hope to be the spark for my students that starts the fire through connection and understanding.