“I would say if your students end up with an appreciation, or even better, a love for music, then you have done your job right!” – @musically8
The #MusEdChat held on July 5th 2010 discussed what the participants thought defined a successful music teacher in today’s society. @Zweibz7 broke the chat up into how different groups of people view a successful program.
Successful Music Teacher as Defined By Parents
First music educators discussed what parents are looking for in a successful music teacher. Many stated that unfortunately, parents often look for only good concerts, or awards and trophies from festivals. Some stated, though that music teachers are often evaluated by the happiness of the students involved in the program. @KFreesen stated though, “Parents seem to want to have a teacher who is fun. The ones I’ve dealt with haven’t put performance quality as priority.” Most teachers felt that good ensembles are a sign of a good program, but they were sure to relay that it is only one aspect of the entire program. The participants stressed how vital parents are to a music program. Getting their support helps to keep the students active in music, and serves as great advocacy for the music program in general.
Successful Music Teacher as Defined By Administrators
#MusEdChat participants then started to discuss what a successful music program looks like to administrators. Many of the tweets stated that administrators are mostly concerned about having happy parents, happy students in the program, and getting good press from the program. Administrators also like to see a lot of students in the music program. Many places begin to cut music teacher positions if enough students are not enrolled in the program. #MusEdChat participants discussed how to advocate to administration in a previous chat – be sure to check it out!
Successful Music Teacher as Defined By Students
Chat participants had many ideas of what their students think make a successful music teacher. @justine_robin stated that if students aren’t bored in class, they will see their teacher as successful. Students also want somebody who can relate to them and teach to them on their level. Many educators said that students are looking for teachers who truly care about them. This can be relayed in multiple facets, including sticking around when the school day ends, and talking to students on a personal level – getting to know who they are outside of the classroom.
Successful Music Teacher as Defined By Music Teachers
To end the #MusEdChat, the participants decided to make a list of what they thought made a successful music teacher. Here are some of the ideas that were tossed out:
- Always doing everything with students as the center.
- Knowledgeable of music
- Encouraging/supportive of a student’s creativity and supportive of them as a person.
- Eager to keep learning
- Learning how to do your craft better so you can show them how to do it better.
- Meeting students at their level, then bringing them up through your teaching.
- Minimizing distractions to learning by taking care of administrative items ahead of time.
- Willingness to work with EVERY student.
- Inspiring a need for musical expression.
- Has and instills a love for music in all its forms.
- Has flexibility to handle multiple ability levels.
- Learning the needs of the community you teach in and meeting them where they are.
- Have high expectations of everyone, especially yourself.
- Have a passion for what you do – why live any other way?
Previously, music educators shared what many years of experience has taught them including many tips and tricks. If you’re looking for advice, find it here!
