The Art of Agreement
My Teaching Philosophy
Music is known as an art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound and silence, which exists in time in such a way as to produce beauty. However, with more than 25 years of experience as a professional musician, and 14 as a music educator, I can assert that music is much more than a cultural and aesthetic experience. I consider music as, what I call, the Art of Agreement, and that is my motto as a music educator.
When performing music with others, the whole group starts, goes, and finishes the whole piece together.
The same happens when doing dynamics along the piece, the ensemble goes louder and softer together; and, with the speed, the group goes faster and slower together.
Through orchestral and band practices, students learn to respect and listen to each other, to follow and take the lead, to work collaboratively, to commit to a common goal, and they develop a sense of belonging to the class as a musical group.
Music contributes to children's emotional, social, and motor skills development enriching and influencing their lives. When learners are exposed to aural, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation they tap on non-verbal ways of knowing, providing an emotional and positive experience through music. In addition, practicing music with others contributes to students' self-regulation. Students learn to monitor their emotions and to reduce anxiety when performing.
My ultimate goal is for students to find their own voice and their connection to the arts in their daily living as members of our society, through the enchanting and beautiful journey of doing music, the art of embracing diversity, the Art of Agreement.