Professional
Philosophy
Music is an
art and science that is a part of everyone. I believe it
is a music teacher's responsibility to help students
develop their innate musical abilities to their full
potential. It does not matter whether that potential lies
in the abilities of a virtuoso pianist or in the steady
beat of a handicapped student. Even the most disabled
person has music inside of them and it is a way through
which they can communicate and express themselves. With so
many controversial issues in today's society it is even
more important that we find a way of communicating with
each other, no matter who we are. Music education at a
young age can help develop that potential for
communication and expression early on in life. Once a
person develops their musical ability they can then use
those skills to express themselves in a manner that is
often understood universally. An emotionally disabled
individual who has trouble putting feelings into words or
expressing those feelings in a socially acceptable manner
can find a way to do that through the music they make.
Aside
from communication, the study of music at all ages is also
paramount to understanding people as individuals. Music
represents something basic within all human beings, and
with it students can learn to understand and eventually
respect one another and other cultures. We can ride the
rhythms and currents of what may be "foreign" music to our
ears and end our musical journey in another land, immersed
in a culture that we did not previously understand. This
respect and understanding once again helps people to
communicate across barriers that they may not even know
exist. It is up to music educators to bring students to
their greatest awareness of music so that they can use it
to their advantage.
When
students enjoy music and learn about it, they carry that
knowledge and its usefulness throughout their lives. This
is also part of a music teacher's job, to make music an
activity that students enjoy throughout their lives. As a
person carries musical knowledge with them, they can use
it to express themselves and communicate universally. No
matter what the musical medium (instrumental, vocal, or
keyboard), I am confident that I can make that a
possibility for my students.
"Never discourage anyone who
makes progress, no matter how slow."
~ Plato