The Magical Matter of Mindful Music

Every person’s story includes a teacher. I bet by reading that, you are thinking of one or two influential teachers from your past. One of mine was my high school band director, Mr. Hagen. Another was my piano teacher, Mrs. Kayser. Their guidance changed my life. I am honored to be a music teacher, largely because of them. This is my 35th year teaching at the same school.

There are so many reasons that I love teaching music. Here are the top three:

1. Music is fun.

I like to include lots of music games in my teaching. I buy books with music games, invent them, and learn them from fellow music teachers. When students are playing, they don’t realize they are learning. Even when they’re not playing games, music gives students a chance to shine. They have a moment to be in the spotlight. Whether it’s in the music classroom, or on the stage, they get attention, which most kids crave.

When students sing or perform together with instruments, it’s a shared experience. Even if they don’t remember each specific lesson, they will remember the joy that it gave them. I get to experience that feeling consistently. So fun!

2. Passion

Some people dread going to work. I am called to it. Some days, I am the first teacher to arrive at my school and/or the last to leave. This is because I am passionate about what I do.

Think about what an impact music has on your mood. Think about what movies would be like without music. I love trying to find better ways to get my students to learn all that they can about music in the short amount of time that they are “mine.”

I love the creativity of my job. I enjoy producing kitschy artwork for my classroom, I compose music for my students, and since I am not granted much for curriculum, I frequently generate my own lessons.

I want my passion for music to be contagious. I want students to want to continue to enjoy it, whether it’s as a listener or a performer.

3. Lasting impact.

I enjoy trying to get shy students to have a safe place to come out of their shells for a while. Bashful students often start out not wanting to share at all. With just the right amount of coaxing in a respectful environment, they often blossom. I had one student who was non-verbal for most of kindergarten and first grade. Near the end of first grade, she was willing to whisper answers to me or friends. This year, when we did a getting-to-know-you activity, she used a full, clear voice as she played a drum and announced her name. Inwardly, I was crying tears of joy. Of course, I can’t claim sole responsibity for her transformation, but I like to think that I played my part. I happily gave her a music award that day!

I am always delighted when former students contact me to say that I made a difference to them. One girl told me she plays in the band in her new town. One young man teaches band in the Phoenix area. Another is a wind professor at Brown University. Another performs with an Army Band. A young lady plays the flute professionally and teaches at her own studio. Others have played along with me in our community band or sung with me in our community choir. There is supreme satisfaction in knowing that you have played a positive role in other people’s lives. My life has come full circle. I can be for my students what Mr. Hagen and Mrs. Kayser were for me - an inspiration.

There are so many careers that I could have pursued with music, such as performance, production, managing, composing, or music therapy. At first, I was hesitant to become a teacher. Everyone knows teaching doesn’t pay as well as most professions. I am so glad that I didn’t let that stop me. If I had gone in any other direction, I would have missed my calling.