Music Educator Traits

Music teachers are a unique type of teacher. We do things differently than any other teacher, but what part of us makes us so exceptional? Is it because we have to teach every student an instrument rather than grammar? Is it because we have to rehearse ensembles rather than have everyone sit at a desk, bored because of math?

            Maybe, but what makes us distinctive are the qualities we have as teachers. No two teachers are alike. Sure we can emulate what we’ve seen from colleagues, but we make our classroom our own. The way we teach is our own as well. Though there are three traits I believe to be very essential to music teachers.

1.     Optimist

The music teacher needs to be an optimist, “someone who tends to take a hopeful and positive view of future outcomes.” That is how Peter L. Boonshaft defined it, in his book, Teaching Music with Purpose. The classroom climate in an optimist’s room is positive where negativity is not welcome. As the optimistic music teacher, I believe it is your duty to reinforce positive behaviors you see with appropriate compliments that will be an example for the other students to follow. An optimistic teacher is also confident in his or her students by telling them firstly that they can succeed. Since you just showed that you believe in your students, then they will believe in themselves.

2.     Flexible

Much like how the students learn about the teacher and the subject, the teacher learns about the students and how to teach them in a manner that will lead to success. The teacher must have an extensive knowledge of his/her specialty. This teacher will need a bag of tricks in case if something that had been explained does not make sense to a student. Some students won’t understand clearly the first time, it’s a good idea to have more ideas in the back of your mind or come up with some that can give a student an easier time to understand. As a music educator, one must be able to communicate clearly what he or she wants to achieve with his or her students, especially in rehearsal, where it’s best to talk LESS and do MORE to make the most out of time. 

3.     A Leader

Defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to lead means to direct on a course or in a direction. For a teacher to be a leader, one must be able to guide students on the right path. It can easily be achieved if you have a positive attitude. To be a leader and a teacher, one must have people skills! You have to know how to keep people engaged and excited to learn. A teacher is always enthusiastic to see his/her students grow and succeed. Being a musician, a teacher, and a conductor, mistakes are made a lot. Boonshaft says that mistakes are learning experiences so long as you, the teacher, show them that it’s okay and I couldn’t agree more. It’s important for student to keep going and to not stop. As educators we are passionate about what we do. I have yet to meet a teacher who does not like his/her job. Therefore, if you’re a music educator, you must have a passion for expanding the brains of students and music. So you must be committed! Meaning you won’t give up on your students and to pull through until your ensemble performs! When times get rough, always remember to STAY POSITIVE. Frank Battisti said it best; “The primary task of a leader is to keep hope alive.” That’s the greatest thing we educators can do.