Philosophy of Education Statement

Music education is ever-changing. Its challenges and duties cannot be articulated in a few

short sentences because truly, teaching is an artform. Learning to teach students efficiently and

effectively requires patience, skill, and practice. As a teacher, I should always be openminded to

exploring new methods of teaching and administering educational processes to my students.

Identifying gaps or areas of trouble that my students struggle with takes time and intuition. These

qualities are some that I have learned during my time here at JMU and plan to implement in my

future classrooms.

Ideally, I want my future classroom to be a safe haven for my students—a place that

students feel comfortable to be challenged, vulnerable, and open to the ideas that are presented to

them. Furthermore, I want there to be a relationship that allows students to confidently bring me

issues they are facing, or struggles they are dealing with without the fear of being judged.

Establishing these relationships is important for me, not only to gain the student’s trust but to also

know how I can better serve them in class. When in a musical setting, the collaborative

environment it creates motivates me to make this welcoming and engaging environment come

alive. I want my students to feel at home here, where they are able to have fun, be challenged, and

learn each and every day.

Despite any disability, insecurity, or struggles my students face I want them to know they

are welcome. Acceptance is the key to growth. I will make it clear that this expectation is held not

only from myself, but for other classmates as well. My philosophy of education consists of many

different ideas that I believe are important to be the best possible music teacher. All of these parts

I discussed are important in creating a productive and engaging environment for all students. One

day when I begin to teach music to students, I hope to be the teacher that students look up to and
come to if they ever need anything. I believe my purpose in life is to teach students the love,

passion, and excitement I have for music.