Teaching Philosophy

Sarah Bishop

I believe that music should promote dedication, responsibility, teamwork, discipline, pride,
acceptance of humility and most importantly education. I believe that being in a successful music
program is a privilege and a life changing process and when I state a successful music
program, I do not mean that the band will win every prize at every completion or even that they
will get to participate in state completions every year. Successful is a term I use to describe a
music program that teaches students life skills that they can carry out for their rest of their lives.
A successful music program consists of students that work their very best; even if it is not up to
other individual standards and having a band director that is devoted to the education and safety
of their students.
Education
It is the main goal of a music program and for a teacher to promote and give the needed
knowledge and education for its students to attain. Current research and studies have shown that
the brain of a musician works differently form that of a nonmusician. Perfroming music requiers
both portions of the brain to be active (both the left and right side). Through music education
students can have a larger growth of neural activity, which will aid them in their development as
an adult.

Technology
The use of technology is essential in the modern day music classroom. Children today live and
breath technology successfully and in teachers must incorporate the best tools into their teaching.

Technology continues to be a constant stream of current information. Teachers must work with
technology in order to teach efficient and relevant information to their students.
Dedication
Even though the main point of music education is to educate; I believe that the experience of
music goes far beyond the classroom. I want to teach music so I can inspire my students not only
to appreciate and understand the art of music but to gain lifelong skills in which I believe music
creates. Responsibility is one of the many skills I aim my students to gain during their music
journey.
For many people, school is a transitional period from child to young adult. Responsibility is a
characteristic that one needs to develop in order to be considered a developed adult. Music
pushes a lot of responsibilities on students. Not only do they have to know their music, they also
have to be responsible for their instrument care and for balancing their academics. They also
have to display a great deal of teamwork with their following classmates in order to create music.
Teamwork ties in with a healthy rehearsal setting. A healthy rehearsal setting is one where
students are surrounded by a safe enviroment thats free of misbehavior and is filled with
constant positive energy.
Overview
Overall I believe that the process of music education will not only expand creativity and
knowledge to my students but will also give them many essential characteristics needed in their
development as a person. My teaching philosophy consists of giving my students knowledge and
lifelong skills, so they can be successful in life.