Memorable Moments in EDSEC 200

Taking a course with the goal of preparing students for teaching music is a great experience.  Such a direct application to my career makes me really want to absorb as much information as possible in this course.  We were all well-informed and prepared on what to expect/fundamentals of being a music educator.

The activity that impacted me the most from this class was the recorder lesson, in which we all taught our classmates how to play a short piece on recorder.  This was a great exercise to work on time management, as well as classroom management, since there were a lot of students in the classroom, as well as a very short time period.  We had an interesting situation, in which one instructor from our four-person group took an unexpected twist with the lesson without any of us knowing.  This scenario was great practice for when we might have to work with last-minute changes in our lessons.   

What it takes to be a music educator:

First and foremost, a music educator must have patience.  Grasping concepts in music, such as reading (music), listening, and expression, are all deceptively more difficult than many teachers realize, especially those who have not gone through the process of learning these things in a long time.  Being patient with students will help form a safe learning environment, where only positive reinforcement is used.

A music educator must also be organized.  There are many events that occur in the music world that are often overlooked by students, parents, administrators, other teachers, etc. If a K-12 music teacher cannot adequately prepare for all performances, rehearsals, and meetings, then programs may suffer in certain areas.  Keeping a well-updated planner/calendar, and maintaining communication with all parties is a great step in achieving organization.

The capacity to care is also an important characteristic for all educators to have.  Being interested in students needs and lives will make them want to learn.  Many students are deeply affected by music, and if a caring, passionate teacher instructs them, they will most likely be greatly impacted by the experience, which will in turn, shape their character in a positive way.

Dean Westman, music director at Avon High School in Indiana, conducting a chamber orchestra

My Most Influential Teachers

I have had many teachers in my life, teaching all things ranging from reading, writing, and arithmetic to the development of my character and personality.  Of these teachers, the one’s that have made the most significant impact on my life have been my music teachers, specifically my high school band director, and my piano teacher.

Sylvia Wolcott was an Associate Professor of Music at Central Christian College for 15 years, and my piano teacher for 8.  Throughout my teenage years, I considered quitting piano, and music all together.  She, however, was always there to show me why I need music, and encouraged me to keep studying piano, telling me every lesson that I had “a gift.”  I want to emulate this sense of caring in my teaching.

Kyle Hopkins, current band director at McPherson High School, has built a successful band program from virtually nothing.  In doing this, Hopkins maintained a motivated, yet comfortable atmosphere in his classroom, and ran his program in such a way that made students love band.  Seeing how I would like to someday be a band director, I am going to remember many of his keys to success in running my own program.  

Sylvia Wolcott and Ethan Wagoner

Kyle Hopkins conducting the McPherson High School Band