Music is Important

Music education is something that is extremely important to me.  1.) It's my lively hood 2.) My passion 3.) MY LIFE!

This is not true for every parent or student out there, and sometimes they come across offended that you think music is important.  I defiantly don't think music is more important than any other subject.  However, if I didn't make music important, or if I didn't care about my students getting a good musical education, what kind of teacher would I be?  Not a very good one.

This is what I write in my letter to my 4th grade parents about band:

In 5th grade band your students will learn how to play an instrument, read basic notes, rhythms, dynamics, and articulations.  They will not only be learning how to play music.  

Benefits:

Problem Solving                                                                 Self-Confidence

Teamwork                                                                             Self-esteem

Goal Setting                                                                         Concentration

Self-expression                                                                   Poise

Coordination                                                                       Time management

Memory Skills

There is so much we can teach our students through music. I remember in college someone once said, I'm not just teaching music....I'm teaching my students, once they move to the "real world", how to be good, kind, and caring citizens of the world.

This has really stuck with me (OK, ready for a cliche?) children really are our future...our future business people, teachers, doctors, politicians, and so on....
I want my future leaders to be well rounded, cultured, creative, and kind. I really believe that music is a big part of teaching that. (Defiantly not the only part!)