Musician AND a Teacher

I love music!

No kidding. 

It is a part of my every day life.  I wake up to my digital radio.  I practice at least one instrument a day. (I will admit, some days that means singing harmony to the radio) I listen to music while I read, clean, and cook.  Music is integral to who I am.  

My point?

Music educators synergize two separate parts of themselves in the classroom. We are like an old school record.  Two sides to the same album.

SIDE A: Child developmental specialist, certified educator, reading and math integrator, educational researcher, continual learner, event coordinator, schedule master, curriculum writer, standards evaluator, teacher.

SIDE B: Musicologist, ethnomusicologist, music theologian, songwriter, singer, conductor, hymnologist, music sociology, history of music education, Kodaly, Dalcroze, Orff, instrumental education, vocal education, general music education, performer, music technology coordinator, musician.

Some of those descriptions could fit on either side.  But, what is important, is that neither side is replaceable in the music classroom. A general education teacher cannot replace a good music teacher.  A good musician cannot replace a good music teacher. It takes the complete package to have a good music education program, from private lessons to college classes.

It is imperative that music educators not only improve their craft as educators, but also continue to develop as musicians. 

This has come close to my heart over the last couple of years, but has really been a part of my life longer that that. Starting in high school, I became involved in community band. Over the years and travels to different cities, I have located and joined community bands, local orchestras, and worship teams.  Not has this endeavor served as a creative and social outlet, it has improved my musicianship.  

One year...

I didn't join...

I didn't realize how important it was to be a musician and an educator until that year.  It was a dark time for this musician.  

Now?  Community music, or not, I practice for me.  I practice for my own musicianship.  I practice for the joy of music.  I celebrate that I am an educator and musician.  

So how do you music?

Musically,

Jennifer