Philosophy of Music Education

 

I believe that music is universal; that humankind has an inherent connection with music which gives them a drive to hear, create, and enjoy it. I believe that music can bridge gaps across cultural barriers, and let people connect with each other through it, because it is a mutual language we all share. Since I believe that music is a universal human language, I also believe that all people should have access to quality music education so they may be able to communicate with it, as well as to gain an understanding of others who use this language too. Music education gives people tools to express themselves, gain a deeper understanding of their own personal and cultural identity, and gives them the chance to empathize with others, as well as adds fulfillment to their lives. I believe that all people can learn to sing tunefully, move to a steady beat, and express music artistically. Not all people will build these skills at the same pace, and some will progress further in their abilities than others, but each person is entitled to the opportunity to grow in their musicianship through music education. It’s my hope that through quality music education, all people can build the skills they need to be music makers for the rest of their lives. I strive everyday in my classroom and my studio to give my students opportunities to grow as musicians so that they may experience the universal language that is music. Through incorporating active listening and music making in my lessons, I give all of my students the chance to connect personally, culturally, and emotionally with not just the music, but peers from the class, community, and across the globe.

 

In piano lessons, students will initially develop their musicianship through aural learning (singing simple songs and playing them by ear on the piano) and eventually progress to reading music notation while they play. This process is modeled after Dr. John Feierabend's Conversational Solfege curriculum. This research-based music curriculum is designed to teach students the language of music in the same way that they learned language as infants and toddlers; first by ear, then by sight. Piano lessons will also include a wide variety of games and activities that will help students develop their sense of beat, rhythm, and musical expression, all of which are a part of Dr. John Feierabend's First Steps in Music curriculum. 

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In voice lessons, students will continue to develop their musicianship (notation reading skills, musical expression) while also developing their singing tone. Lessons will include vocal warm ups, ear training exercises, rhythmic and solfege exercises, along with the study of two-three songs at the same time. Songs will range from classical pieces, musical theatre pieces, and one song of the student's choice. Students will study the piece for pitch and rhythmic content, as well as examine the musicality and expression of the pieces they are studying. 

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