Cameron Anderson

Philosophy Statement

Teaching is a way to guide students to both grow and learn from each other. I want to

teach to provide growth and learning throughout my students as well as myself growing and

learning from them. Teaching, to me, is being able to go out of your way to guide a student onto

the right path of knowledge. As a student, I wish I had a more teachers with the ability to change

angles in teaching styles to help me through my struggle. I strive to become the teacher who

obtains the Wisconsin Teacher Standard of “Learning Differences.” Throughout my initial

teaching experience, I went out of my comfort zone to guide a student into musical success by

having the ability to approach the situation in a way that was successful for their learning style. I

realized that my personal approach would not work in this sense and being able to change my

teaching style for a student is what makes a great and professional educator. My professionalism

is portrayed by the courage of substituting my own personal teaching style to accommodate my

students as well as my professional appearance and speech. Professors have mentioned their

appreciation towards my professional and punctual work throughout both written assignments

and practicums.

To me, the purpose of education is to expand the knowledge and perspectives of students.

Education is a tool that guides students into an open and accepting mind about the world. Music

education is about expanding their mind of the world through creative expression, which

achieves National Music Standard MU:Pr4.3.E.IIa “Demonstrate how understanding the style,

genre, and context of a varied repertoire of music influences prepared and improvised

performances as well as performers’ technical skill to connect with the audience.” Music

education allows students to personally experience music outside of their nationality and expand
their knowledge of that culture. Similar to other content areas, music allows students to challenge

their own knowledge and beliefs. Music makes you think in a different manner compared to

other content areas. Other content areas tend to restrict creativity in solutions while music allows

a wide range of interpretation. With the ability to challenge your own thinking while expressing

yourself through a variety of musical styles and genres, I believe all students would benefit from

studying music. Music obtains a strong power that provides students a connect to themselves and

the ability to create by interpretations. I have personally seen the change in personality

throughout people as they experience music into their lives and find their correct path to success.

The students who will benefit the most from studying music are the ones who are currently

struggling to find themselves and their passion. Even though their passion my not be music, the

act of engaging in music allows freedom to express your emotions and ask yourself what you

really want out of this world.