Personal Narrative: A Career In Music Education

Out of all the role models for young students, teachers are amongst the most important. Music has been a big part of my life since I was a little girl, and I always knew I wanted to sing. As I grew older, I had several teachers who inspired me to continue singing. Those teachers ended up being my role models and heroes, people who have shaped my life for the better. In my senior year of high school, I had a free period. During that time I served as a student aide for one of my teachers who taught an elementary choir. I attended the School for Creative and Performing Arts in the Cincinnati Public school district, which is a low-income school district. The majority of the students I taught did not have a good home life, and because of that,
behavioral problems were common. However, the majority of these problems disappeared when the students lifted their voices in song. Seeing the eyes of the children light up upon obtaining a new piece of music or finishing a concert is one of the most fulfilling sights in the world to me. At first, I only wanted to major in Music Education to give myself a backup plan in case I could not make a living performing.
However, as I grew older, I realized I have my teachers to thank for my passion for music. Those role models will remain a part of my heart for as long as I live, and upon making this realization, I knew my path was set. I want to follow in the footsteps of the wonderful men and women who inspired me to be the best I can be as a performer and a person. When I first decided to major in Music Education, I originally wanted to teach at the collegiate level. After student aiding for my teacher, however, I realized I wanted to teach young children. Children are far more impressionable at a young age, which is why it is ideal to shape young minds early on. Aside from teaching music, I want to teach children to be understanding, compassionate, and empathetic. The life lessons I learned from my teachers have been even more rewarding than my musical education. Unlike many of my peers, I have always loved school. I firmly believe the day is not complete until I learn something new, whether it be about the state of the world or another person. A career in teaching will ensure I learn something every day from my students, so I will never have to let go of that mindset. To teach is also to learn, and there is no better way to master my craft than to teach it to others. To quote Aristotle: “Those that know, do. Those that understand,
teach.” Aside from teaching music, I hope to instill in my pupils the importance of empathy and understanding toward one another. My favorite teachers not only successfully taught their subject, but they also taught me important life lessons about how to relate to other people. Because children are the future, it is imperative that teachers help to shape a new generation of kind, caring individuals. Education is one of the most important things that shapes and influences young minds. A successful teacher not only has a love of his or her subject matter, but a love of learning. I hope to be an inspiration to my students, teaching them the beauty of music and important life lessons to help shape a new generation.