Nico Craig
11/20/19
MUSC 300
Dr.Raschdorf
Teaching Philosophy
My whole philosophy of being a teacher is based upon the sole reason is that I am there transfer my knowledge and provide a safe and effective learning environment. My role as the teacher in my music class is meant for me to be able to teach my students a new skill, have my students fully engaged, and have them strive to want to get better at this newfound skill. In my time as a teacher, I feel that these three main points are the most crucial for me to achieve so that I know that my students are getting a well-rounded education in the various forms of music. The beginning of their education begins with me having an accurate knowledge of how my students learn. In my classroom, I plan to bring multiple ways of teaching so that I can provide equal treatment and equal education to all my students so that no one is left behind. In my mind, the whole purpose of music education is broken down into two main reasons that being, to provide an outlet for students who need it as well as to give students an opportunity to find their passion in the diverse world of music. I believe that these two ideas should be held to the utmost scrutiny. In some of the programs that I have had the opportunity to observe and learn from I have seen a very diverse understanding of the purpose of music. I feel that my two main points bring in the most opportunity for my students to get the most out of what I have to offer as a teacher, and as a musician. In my classroom, I believe that the role of the student is as equally important as my role as the teacher. It is my understanding as an educator that the student’s education is a two-way path between me the teacher and the students. If the students and I are walking the path their role is to learn the new material in a timely manner, help and inspire others in the class, and know their limitations as well as how to move past them to get better in their newfound skills. To help my students learn new material I will use my take on homework. The homework assignments will be normal but the way I grade and mark their work is where my philosophy really kicks in. When I sit down to grade their work, I will mark what is wrong and show them the correct way to do the work. Instead of destroying my student’s confidence and grades I will put in a grade that represents the work that they put into completing the assignment. In my mind, homework is meant for the students to practice what they have learned and to learn from their mistakes. This ideal can lead to a better understanding of the topic as well as a growing bond with music. My final role as the teacher is to keep an open line to the community. With this line of communication with the community, I can let them know what my students are up to and show them their unique skills in open door concerts. With my idea of open-door concerts, I bring in new prospects of possible players to join my program as well as a new source of income to fund the program. As well as my open line to the community I believe that keeping open communication with feeder schools is another crucial thing for me as a teacher to do. Talking to elementary and middle schools is yet another great way to spread the word about my music program. Having as much publicity as possible is the best possible way to grow the world of music as well as instill a love for music for generations to come. It has been my experience that as time goes on that people are slowly forgetting this great art form. With my teaching philosophy, I plan to pay it forward and show my love for music for generations to come.