Through courses covering a variety of general music education subjects, vocal music techniques and

conducting, instrumental music conducting and orchestration, I feel that I am equipped with the
necessary skills and knowledge to successfully lead instruction in a music classroom. Planning,
delivering, and assessing the instruction are skills that have been developed through the variety of
courses, and that will continue to be built upon during my time in the music education field.
During my time in music education courses, and in my experiences in the classroom, I have
developed a variety of skills that will benefit my students through my instruction. This skillset
includes the ability to lead a rehearsal or a class on piano, while still proficiently leading the students
and conducting. Along with this process, I have developed an ability to discern errors in melodies,
harmonies, rhythm, technique, and text that my students are singing. This error detection can come
in either a large ensemble setting, or in a smaller sectional rehearsal. Both in the choir classroom and
in a general music classroom, I have the knowledge and ability to create new and actively engaging
lessons for students. In the vocal music classroom, I have designed a lesson using Jake Heggies
Let My Love Be Heard focusing on the events taking place in the United States, and around the
world that affected us. This one classroom lesson contained both musical teachings, as well as
putting meaning behind the art that the students were creating. Elementary music lessons have
allowed me to connect with students through their early musical experiences, including developing
new songs and movement with them, like in a lesson using Wee Willie Winkie with first grade
students. Through a variety of musical experiences, I have grown a skillset in a variety of musical
styles. These include early music, secular choral music, sacred choral music, pop tunes, showchoir
choreography and pieces, large choir works, and small ensemble music. These experiences are
transferable into my classroom lessons, and these skills are continually developed through my
involvement in community ensembles, and performances.
The knowledge that I will bring into my classroom has been developed through a number of
experiences, and new tools that I continue to discover. One of the most influential experiences that I
have been a part of has been conducting research in the subject of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy
(CRP). This research experience, during my undergraduate degree, has allowed me to view my
teaching, my students, and my classroom in a new light. With the understanding of CRP, I am able
to view each of my students as a person, approach them as an individual no matter their background,
current situation, or musical ability. With that knowledge in mind, I will build a classroom
environment that is welcoming, safe for students, and supports their growth as a student and
musician. Student growth can occur in a number of ways, including confidence in performing and
creating, an ability to communicate and collaborate with others in the creation of music, and for
students to discover more about what music can mean for them as individuals. I believe that music is
an important way that we can express ourselves, as it is constantly around us, and it is a language
that can be shared with others. This student growth can come through student experiences with
songwriting, solo performance, ensemble performance, and reflection activities. As a music
educator, I will continue to seek out opportunities for professional development, so that I can
continue to provide new and actively engaging activities for my students.
From my musical and educational experiences in the past, I feel that I am equipped with the
necessary skills and knowledge to successfully lead instruction for students in a music classroom.
Planning, delivering, and assessing the instruction are skills that have been developed and continue
to be built upon during my time as a music educator, to better serve my students.