Why I Want to be a Music Teacher

by Morgan Green, FAME Scholarship Recipient

Immense relief washed over me as the bell rang, signaling the end of first period. That morning had been a mess. From the stress of being late to the fear of failing my math test because I did not understand the material, I was not having a great day. I knew that if I could persevere until the beginning of my second period choir class, I would be okay. Throughout my three years at Hillcrest Middle School, the choir room remained my safe place. My warm, enthusiastic, talented teacher not only taught me a great deal about music, but she taught me about life through music. Her example has not only convinced me that music education is valuable to every student, but it has also inspired me to pursue a career in music education.

As a recent high school graduate, there are many things about life that I have yet to learn, but one thing I am certain of is that the impact of a strong music education is immeasurable. An example of this impact in my own life occurred when I was in the third grade and was assigned the lead role in a local children’s theatre production. Simultaneously, my mother became very ill and was hospitalized for a few months. I chose to continue rehearsing for the show. While the support I received from friends and family was vital during that time, the escape I had in portraying the character was my greatest therapy. When I went to rehearsal, I was able to become this character and forget about the difficulties of my own life. Through the songs I sang and the words I spoke onstage, I could express the emotions of my character, and ultimately the deepest emotions of myself in a safe, appropriate manner. I am so thankful for the music educators and directors who provided me with that opportunity, and I want to follow in their footsteps. Likewise, I am sure that many other young students going through difficult experiences can benefit from the positive relief that music provides.

In recent years, music has continued to be a wonderful outlet through which I can express myself, but in some cases, music itself has presented me with challenges. During my junior year of high school, I enrolled in a college-level Music Theory course. It is the most difficult class I have ever attended. Despite the frustrations and struggles, the more I learned of the mechanics of music, the more I understood why I love music so much, and my appreciated for the arts increased. At the end of the year, I earned a passing score on the Advanced Placement Music Theory Exam. This experience gave me the confidence to face new challenges and the certainty that I can excel as a music education student at The University of Mobile.

When I ask myself why I aspire to teach music, I have several reasons. First, music has always been a part of me: utilizing my voice in song is the best way I know to express myself. Although I gain a thrill from performing, I long to make a lasting impact by teaching young hearts to perform and express life with their own unique voices. Additionally, I have seen that life can be difficult at times, and no one is immune to hardship. One of the best ways I know to cope with problems, to healthfully convey one’s emotions, and to escape the concerns of everyday life is through song. Every student should have the opportunity to realize this wonderful ability he or she possesses to handle adversity. Another beautiful, important aspect of music education is its potential to broaden our perspectives about other cultures, history, and the ever-changing world around us.

This past school year I had the opportunity to visit an elementary school several times a week to learn from a general music teacher. (An interesting side note is that this impressive teacher is the same one who made such profound impact on me as my middle school choir director!) One of the lessons I was permitted to help my mentor teach was about the life and culture surrounding Louis Armstrong’s release of “What a Wonderful World.” We discussed the artist’s decision to celebrate all that is good in the world, despite the wrongs he suffered. I thoroughly enjoyed contemplating each phrase of the song and encouraging the students to embrace its meaning as they performed. In the same concert, this fourth grade class performed a musical about the development of our nation’s Constitution. Their teachers and parents were thrilled to see these children gain an unusual excitement about history as they embodied the lesson in a musical way. One student, an intelligent boy who has autism, played the role of George Washington with passion that would bring tears to your eyes. In this musical, he discovered a venue of creative expression in which he excels. Another young girl had a positive experience when I noticed her creating some movement to one of the choir songs. Her face lit up as we adapted her creativity to be included in that song. Many of the children had speaking parts or vocal solos, and we emphasized to them that each student had a special, important role to play in this concert. There are countless other examples of how this one production benefitted each student, sometimes in similar ways and sometimes in very unique ways. I believe that this experience, if only for a moment, opened their minds a little, educated them about an important time in American history, and brought them joy. It thrills my heart to think that this was the effect of only one concert in one elementary school. Imagine the massive effect of successful music educators everywhere! This experience assured me once again of the importance of music for every child, and I am motivated not only to teach music, but also to advocate for music as a vital part of education, because it is a vital part of life.

I want every child to learn about music, learn about life through music, and love music. The reality is that I alone will never be able to reach every child with music that offers happiness and hope. However, as I make my career in music education, I hope to someday be one drop in the ocean of impactful music educators who change lives every day.

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM

AMEA In-Service Conference

January 21-23, 2016

Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center and Embassy Suites (across the street)

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