Why I Chose Music Education

"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." Those immortal words spoken by the acclaimed author Victor Hugo are words in which I wholeheartedly believe. Growing up, I discovered that through music, I was able to express who I am and share the joy and gift that is music. It was only naturally that as I ended my secondary education at Mortimer Jordan High School and had to choose an area in which I would major in college that I gravitated towards pursuing a degree in music. I then began to reflect on how much my life was impacted on by music and I knew that I had this great passion for music because of my family’s encouragement and desire for me to pursue happiness in wherever life led me. I also knew that I had this passion for music because of the passion instilled in me by my high school choir director, Mrs. Margaret Heron. It was Mrs. Heron’s passion for music and teaching music that inspired me to want become a teacher. So, as I went through college at Jefferson State Community College earning credits toward my Associate of Arts degree and my future Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree that I knew I would one day graduate with from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, I began to think precisely about why I wanted to be a teacher. I concluded that I chose to enter the field of education for three reasons; they are--because of my passion to reach out to high school teenagers, because I want to share my passion for music with others, and because I believe that teaching is the greatest thing I can do with my life to leave a legacy.

First, I want to be a teacher because of my passion to reach out to high school teenagers. As stated previously, when I was in that age demographic, one teacher in particular affected my life and instilled in me a passion for music and a passion to teach others about music. Mrs. Heron always would take time out of her busy schedule, in and outside of class, just to sit and talk with me about my life and about choosing to be a musician and eventually my choice to become a music educator. Joan Zatorski, a noted American educator, once said, “It takes a special person—with patience and wisdom to share—to unlock the treasure awaiting within children everywhere.” Mrs. Heron was that special person who unlocked that treasure inside of me, that is, my passion for music and music education.

Second, I want to be a teacher because of my passion for music. I have always been musically inclined since I was a young age when I used to take piano lessons and sing in church until now when I sing in professional vocal ensembles throughout the Birmingham area. As noted previously, I believe that music expresses your innermost feelings that words sometimes fail to describe. So, I sing. I play instruments. I analyze music scores. I learn the theory behind the music. I conduct the music. Most importantly, I listen and by listening, I can understand and interpret the shared passion behind the music, that is, the passion of the composer and the passion of the performer. This is my passion for music, a major element of the legacy I aspire to leave behind.

Third, I believe that teaching is the greatest thing I can do with my life to leave a legacy. Since a young age, I have always heard that life is not about what you accomplish or how successful you are, but about leaving a legacy—a legacy that touches lives and inspires change for the better. Through music education, I am able to impart knowledge and share my passion of music with others, and I hope that by doing so, I can leave that legacy through my future students. By doing so, I might be to a student as Mrs. Heron was to me, and someone else would gain a passion for music to share with others and by teaching, I might enable them to leave their legacy in this same manor.

This is why I chose music education.

Recent Happenings

Well, classes are in full swing and I'm getting slightly stressed at some things. Here are my thoughts on my classes so far this semester:

• Education as a Profession: Wow, I never knew that there was so much stuff required of teachers in Alabama. I've got to register for the APTTP (Alabama Prospective Teacher Test Program) test before next week. It is much like the ACT, but for teachers in Alabama. I also have to get certified in First Aid and CPR soon as well as have a criminal background check on me...that's scary...just kidding!
• Teaching and Technology: Ok, this has to be the most boring class on the face of the planet. I really wish that this wasn't a required class. Basically, you learn how to use Microsoft Office. But see, I learned all of these things in my Business classes in high school. The teacher is a very sweet lady (she is a retired business/marketing teacher), but I think they should get someone else to teach this class who would apply today's new technology (blogging, podcasting, ect.) for education. Maybe Dr. Copeland should teach this class just for Music Education Majors.
• Music Theory I/Aural Skills I: I think since I've taken this class twice already (once with AP Theory at Mortimer Jordan and the other Theory I at Jefferson State) that I do have a little bit of an advantage. I wish my theory from JeffState had transferred so that I could be in Theory II right now, but I do enjoy Ms. Reynolds' teaching and I enjoy the people that I'm in the class with.
• Private Lessons: Voice: So far things are going good. Dr. Mathes has expanded my range somewhat. I'm able to "touch" a low G and my upper range has grown a good bit (those higher notes are coming easier than they used to).
• Concert Choir: WOW!!!! We're going to IRELAND! I can't wait for this! Now I only have to come up with the money for it...ugh. So this past Saturday was my first time to sing a solo in the Alys Stephens Center. Everyone keeps giving me complements on it, so I hope it sounded good. I am overly critical of myself, so I did notice some things I could've improved on it. I auditioned for a solo in the song "If I Got My Ticket" and got it. I was really shocked. I mean, I consider it a great honor because it is my first semester at UAB and the other guys who tried out were really awesome on it. I think Dr. Copeland is going to rotate the soloists on that song though, but I really would like to sing it at one of our public concerts where Mom and Dad are going to be there.
  
• Chamber Choir: UGH!! The Debussy "Trois Chansons" are very tough (the music is not extremly hard, but the language is...FRENCH!!!!)
• Opera Workshop: Things are coming along for our Opera Scenes performance on November 9 at 7:30 in the Hulsey Recital Hall. I'm trying to let everyone know about this so that nobody can say "I didn't know that you were doing that." I am in two scenes as well as in the chorus for two other ones. It's going to be fun.

Well, I think this will do for now. I will probably edit this to say other things, probably about SNATS and other things. More to come!