I knew I wanted to teach music when I was in 6th grade. Like many others, I had a teacher that changed my life. Dr. Roy Clare in Getzville, New York was a determining factor in my future. I remember singing in his choir and taking a general music class with him in 6th and 7th grade. The memory that sticks out the most, though, is the spark he created in me to teach. I knew I wanted to teach high school theory. When I graduated college, years later, that's exactly what I did! Now I teach little people!
Like everyone, I try not to compare myself to others. But I do. I look around and see music teachers that take themselves too seriously for little people. Kids learn through play. If it's not playful and fun, they don't get hooked. My job, I feel, is to hook them so that they go on to the next level on their own. When I am asked, "How do you know they are learning?" I know they are because I watch them play and experience and explore and enjoy!. I want every kid to look back and remember music as something enjoyable and to be appreciative.
I also find myself needing to create in other ways. I began painting murals for my children's daycare in Marietta, Georgia. I've painted in private homes and school music rooms! I've painted clothing, and now I'm on to more. Recently, I painted on a new platform: wooden planks. I can reproduce most pictures given to me.
Like everyone, I try not to compare myself to others. But I do. I look around and see music teachers that take themselves too seriously for little people. Kids learn through play. If it's not playful and fun, they don't get hooked. My job, I feel, is to hook them so that they go on to the next level on their own. When I am asked, "How do you know they are learning?" I know they are because I watch them play and experience and explore and enjoy!. I want every kid to look back and remember music as something enjoyable and to be appreciative.
I also find myself needing to create in other ways. I began painting murals for my children's daycare in Marietta, Georgia. I've painted in private homes and school music rooms! I've painted clothing, and now I'm on to more. Recently, I painted on a new platform: wooden planks. I can reproduce most pictures given to me.
