#MusEdChat Recap – Experience (6-14-10)

“Beginning of career= “I teach MUSIC”. After Experience: “I teach STUDENTS (music)”. Important distinction.” – @berkshirecat

This past Monday music teachers, professors, and students all gathered to participate in #MusEdChat. The topic they discussed was “What have you learned in your teaching experiences that you DIDN’T learn in school?” Undergrads benefited greatly from learning from the experiences of knowledgeable teachers.

Experience Breeds Wisdom

Many teachers in Monday’s chat shared alot of lessons that they learned from teaching. Quite a few of them expressed the fact that college didn’t prepare them for what they encountered in teaching. Rather they learned by teaching. In addition, educators felt that the theories you learn in college are just theories – it is our job to put them into context.  @Doremigirl suggested getting to know your students outside of class. This helps you to know them as a person better, and therefore you can teach them better. Many of the educators in this chat also cited the benefits of learning from other teachers. @musictechie suggested,”Part of teaching is building relationships and giving up your ego to talented students, ALLOWING them to soar.” Many teachers even stated that they have become better musicians as a result of teaching, improving on things such as aural skills and composition. Others discovered confidence when they started teaching. Many teachers said that they discovered that they could be themselves in front of the students. Some stated that they found confidence in learning what they weren’t taught in college. @richardmccreedy stated, ” I teach with three major areas of music – listening, composing, performing – all equal and inseparable.” @berkshirecat said that he learned to arrange music to the strengths of his ensembles. Almost every participant agreed that they learned to be flexible when it comes to teaching music.

The Importance of an Education Degree

The educators on #MusEdChat also discussed whether it was important to have a music education degree to teach music. @thomasjwest pointed out that in Pennsylvania public schools it is required to have a degree in education in order to teach. Others stated that many private schools do not require a degree in music education in order to teach. Many great arguments were brought up on both sides. @thomasjwest stated,”An education degree teaches you the mechanics of teaching. You can figure it out yourself along the way, though.” On the other hand, @CaseyMcCann argued,” A lot of private-lesson teachers have no degree, and it shows. They don’t understand sequencing, pacing.”

Participate in #MusEdChat

Now that most schools are out for the summer, it is the perfect time to participate in #MusEdChat. Join us on Monday, June 21st for the next chat!

Related posts:

1. #MusEdChat Recap – Teaching Across Curriculum (7-19-10)
2. #MusEdChat Recap – Defining Success (7-5-2010)
3. #MusEdChat Recap – Rhythm (5-17-2010)
4. #MusEdChat Recap – Relevance (3/29/2010)
5. #MusEdChat Recap – Curriculum (4/19/2010)