I am committed to providing a positive learning environment for my students and offering them a challenging, yet encouraging atmosphere that helps them succeed. This is done through largely leaving the students’ grades up to them through reflections and completion grades. For example, every student evaluates their performance after their concert as well as their own behaviors in class. Additionally, the atmosphere in my classroom encourages active participation through the music and attempts to refrain from the standard “stand up, sit down” performance, students regularly use the classroom space to experiment with different formations like circles and different seating charts in order to better hear different parts of the choir.
My commitment to students extends to diverse populations through my placements at Sheridan and Normal West schools. When as student needs personal attention I strive to connect with that student in order to better connect the material. This is usually with my special needs students, however, this also happens when students ask, “Why are we doing this?” There was a period of time when my students were confused with some warm-ups and I used the opportunity to better explain vocal technique and pedagogy.