Student Teaching in Music
In the fall of 2023, I took part in my student teaching in music experience at both the elementary and secondary levels. I have been fortunate enough to work with two wonderful cooperating teachers, Mrs. Jacqueline Nagy and Mr. Pat Foxton, who have provided me with a great deal of guidance throughout my semester. During this experience, I was able to work with elementary students for both general music as well as chorus, as well as general music and concert band at the middle and high school levels. My time at both the East Greenbush and Stillwater Central School Districts has provided with ample opportunities to challenge myself in terms of designing lesson plans and activities to meet the needs of all students while meeting the educational standards set by New York State as well as the National Core Arts Standards for Music Education. I have had an incredible time working with nearly 700 students over the course of four months and learning all there is to learn about being a contemporary music educator.
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At the elementary level, I have worked with grades K-5 to develop musical skills ranging from rhythm and pitch to aspects of performance on all sorts of instruments. At the secondary level, students have worked on digital music creations and other technology-based elements of music production and performance.
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At Stillwater CSD, I have had the opportunity to work with three concert bands in middle and high school as both instructor and conductor. In these groups, we have focused on performance elements of balance, tone, technical facility, and how to work as an ensemble. As ensembles, we have learned a wide range of music from winter ballads to Latin jazz medleys. I have also been able to act as an instructor for instrumental lessons, aiding students at a more individual level as they work to improve their skills on their instruments.
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At the elementary level, I have worked with both 4th and 5th grade choirs in the East Greenbush Central School District. This has given me the chance to challenge my skills in choral music and vocal pedagogy, as well as my ability to lead groups of nearly 90 students at one time. Together, we have worked on developing skills of musical literacy, diction, and placement of our voices while singing.
Photo by Haven Gotham
National Association for Music Education Presidency
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My work as President has allowed me to connect with students, engage in conversation with music education faculty, network with professionals from around the country, and develop my skills as a leader and educator.
We hold numerous events each semester on professional development and sharing new ideas in the field of music education for our members.
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The annual conference held by the New York State School Music Association in Rochester, NY provides a great opportunity for future music educators such as myself to learn from and connect with professionals from across New York State.
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Also held in Rochester, NY, the Eastern Division Conference features workshops, presentations, and performances from music educators and students from every state on the Eastern Seaboard. I had the pleasure of serving on a panel on engaging members in our organizations.