“MUSIC IS A HOME FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE KEY”

Music in and out of my classroom should be a place of safety where students can make a conscious effort to make musical decisions, and where they can then apply what they learn in class to the real-world interactions they will have in the future. In addition, any and all musical ensembles should be a safe environment where students can make mistakes and learn from them. We can’t get everything right; people make mistakes, so we’re in school to learn from them. I fully believe that music is a procedural, hands-on experience and is truly difficult to learn any other way. Lecturing is arguably one of the worst ways to teach instrumentalization as the best way to learn is by doing and imposing the usage of declarative knowledge. While every student is different and requires a particular form of instruction to learn, it is up to the teacher to accommodate and adapt to all students in their classroom so that everyone has a fair shot at succeeding to the best of their own ability and beyond. To that same degree, music should be a stepping-stone for students to grow as individuals so that we can make better people for a better tomorrow. It is dependent on the student to take these practices and apply them outside of the classroom in their own ways so that they can do their own personal best when it comes to not only music but also daily life.
Music should be a right for all regardless of gender identity, race, religious background, sexuality, political views, etc. In my classroom, I will have zero tolerance for any form of hate against anyone. Music is a safe space for everyone so that all those who choose to participate in the art of music can feel the freedom to express themselves however they choose without feeling the fear of judgment and discrimination from others. As a woman of color myself, it is imperative that these guidelines be followed so that we can have the best experience possible as musicians and as human beings enjoying art together. Unfortunately, there are too many places on this planet that exude hatred and I do not want my classroom to be one of them. I always make it one of my top priorities to make sure that every single one of my students is receiving the best music education they can in my classroom, and I do not want to have any external forces combating that. Having to handle issues in any negative context takes away from not only the students education, but from rehearsal time, and can become mentally and physically taxing on both the teacher and the students involved. Overall, judging someone based on looks, beliefs, sexuality, etc. violates human rights, creates social injustice, and has negative psychological effects. It is important that we work towards a society that values and celebrates diversity, and where all people are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race or ethnicity.