Why I Teach

Educational Philosophy Statement

By Andy R. Shaw

The purpose of music education is to teach the art of expression for all that exist in the universe by means of sound, movement, and words. As a music educator, one must have a firm understanding of performance skills, composition, history, analysis, and aural skills. A music educator must posses the courage to use this knowledge to teach the power and meaning of music and it’s purpose in the world.

A music educator must be professional and passionate about the subject area while maintaining a sense of humor and an appreciation for fun.  It is important that as well as being a group leader; a music educator must be a member of the learning audience.

Teachers must stimulate the growth and development of creativity in places where, for some, creativity does not exist. Teachers must be trustworthy, inspiring, and dependable as well as fair, honest, and hardworking. It is the job of the teacher to push their students to highest possible level achievable.

It is up to the teacher to get to know each student, understand which direction to take them, and to achieve the objectives established for that individual by the individual.  Teachers must be capable of communicating information clearly to students and those active in the student’s lives. Teachers must be willing to do what it takes to establish an understanding of expectations for both the students and for one self.

Teachers must be leaders inside and outside of the classroom. Each and every day, the teacher must be capable of instilling a positive attitude in the people they encounter. Leaders must be willing to learn as well as teach.  Leaders must be willing to be the example of ones understanding of excellence.

Music education is about commitment: Commitment to the art. Commitment to the students. Commitment to the community. A music educator must have the courage to be a model figure in the environment they are in. A successful music teacher must posses a direction; they must chart a course into the future and know where they are coming from and where they are going.

As an active musician

As a teacher, I believe it’s best to lead by example. By being an active musician, I am capable of connecting with each student on a different level. I am able to view a student’s academic hurdles as they see them. I do not only see myself as an educator but I see myself as a student as well.

As an active musician, I strive to expand my understanding of music. I am constantly learning new information and pushing myself to the next level. I believe that no matter how skillful you are or how much knowledge you have; there is always something more to learn.

As a teacher

I strive to incorporate multiple methods of teaching in the classroom. Not all students learn the same way and for this I believe it’s important to be skillful and mindful of different methods of teaching and how to use them.

With technology as my tool of choice, I am able to incorporate different methods of learning into one lesson. Technology enables me to reinforce topics at multiple levels of intelligences while keeping all students engaged in the lesson.

I understand that not all students are familiar and comfortable with instruments in music class. As a teacher, I incorporate a system that doesn’t grade based off of classroom goals but rather individual triumphs.

Technology enables me to make the most of my classroom time by helping with transitions from one activity to another with very little down time. From a question or activity to start the learning process to engaging in a group activity to reinforce the material being taught, I use technology as a way to reach out to as many students as I can and to expose as much information as possible.

Summary

Teaching to me is an honor and a privilege. I have been given the opportunity to make a difference in many children’s lives. I have the chance to show people that music does not have to be out of reach and that no matter who you are or where you come from, music is for everyone.  I am devoted to music education and everything it has to offer.

I am proud to call myself a music educator.