midterm Course reflection
I am glad that I am enrolled in Intro to Music Education this semester. I took this class as I want to become a music educator in the future. I feel that this course is very beneficial to me, and I will become greatly impacted at the end of the course. As I learn and reflect on myself through this class, I feel that my knowledge and thoughts on music education will widen, and I will become more aware about the factors that I will go through once I become a music educator.
Through the readings and annotated bibliographies that I have completed, I feel that I have become more of a deeper thinker. I have been able to take the article and apply it to my life, and be able to write about it extensively. I could think about who I am as a musician, and what I can do to make my journey more exciting. I also thought to myself, what could my future classroom look like? How can I incorporate creativity and vulnerability in a classroom? Through every article, I could shape my own identity more and more wholly.
I really enjoy Cathy's inviting classroom atmosphere. I feel that if I was to share my opinion in this room, my words will not be judged and I don't have to worry about what others think of me. Cathy's classroom is very welcoming and everyone is invited to speak their opinion, as there is never a right or wrong answer. Through my relationships in the classroom, I feel that I can speak my opinion and no one will judge me. While being in a classroom full of aspiring music educators, it is a fun experience being able to connect with them and learn about their thoughts on music education through group discussions. I am really glad that Cathy puts the students in groups so that we can talk about the topics, and also learn more about each other.
I feel that I am personally paying closer attention to pedagogical choices. Through my time in Intro to Music Education, I learn that I want to be able to teach students while encouraging them in anything that I would be teaching about. Teachers should be able to give respect to the students, and receive respect from the students; it must go both ways. I conclude that it is important to be a calm and peaceful teacher so that students can interact with them comfortably. A student's learning experience should always be fun and exciting, not a scary journey.
Through the readings and annotated bibliographies that I have completed, I feel that I have become more of a deeper thinker. I have been able to take the article and apply it to my life, and be able to write about it extensively. I could think about who I am as a musician, and what I can do to make my journey more exciting. I also thought to myself, what could my future classroom look like? How can I incorporate creativity and vulnerability in a classroom? Through every article, I could shape my own identity more and more wholly.
I really enjoy Cathy's inviting classroom atmosphere. I feel that if I was to share my opinion in this room, my words will not be judged and I don't have to worry about what others think of me. Cathy's classroom is very welcoming and everyone is invited to speak their opinion, as there is never a right or wrong answer. Through my relationships in the classroom, I feel that I can speak my opinion and no one will judge me. While being in a classroom full of aspiring music educators, it is a fun experience being able to connect with them and learn about their thoughts on music education through group discussions. I am really glad that Cathy puts the students in groups so that we can talk about the topics, and also learn more about each other.
I feel that I am personally paying closer attention to pedagogical choices. Through my time in Intro to Music Education, I learn that I want to be able to teach students while encouraging them in anything that I would be teaching about. Teachers should be able to give respect to the students, and receive respect from the students; it must go both ways. I conclude that it is important to be a calm and peaceful teacher so that students can interact with them comfortably. A student's learning experience should always be fun and exciting, not a scary journey.
Dr. kevin watson
On Monday, March 20, 2017, Dr. Kevin Watson, director of the Western University Jazz Ensemble, came to speak to my Intro to Music Education class a guest speaker. He effectively taught us about jazz improvisation, and how it is approached in a classroom jazz ensemble setting. By the end of class, I become more knowledgeable about blues performance and more capable of performing improv solos on a blues chord progression. All in all, it was a very interactive and enjoyable atmosphere.
On this day, Dr. Watson had the whole class to sit in a circle, so that he can interact with each one of us individually. In this interactive setting, Dr. Watson played three tunes and distributed a listening sheet so that we can all jot down comments about the style of the pieces, and we all discussed about it as a group. After, he allowed each one of us to use our own instruments and improv along with him. Dr. Kevin Watson had “Bb Blues Play-Along” playing, and we were to repeat his own different renditions of improvisation. Throughout this task, I came to a better understanding of improvisation. Next, he had us to do our own improvisation while using only four notes. I felt nervous and uncomfortable about doing it, but when it came to my turn, I successfully did it and I felt good about it. At the end, Dr. Watson gave us great insight on how to feel the beat and rhythm of jazz music while he instructed the class to dance to it.
I reflected and I learned that it is mostly important to focus on the feeling and rhythm of music. Improv allows people to be free and have fun. I learn that I shouldn’t ever feel like I must improv “correctly.” Improvisation influences us to put a spin on music, and to create our own style. I also learn that improvisation is never a test in music education, yet it is an assessment. Dr. Watson wants us to solely be focused on the feel and rhythm of jazz music. I had a great experience during this class! I really enjoyed coming out of my comfort zone and doing something new. I would really like to thank Dr. Watson for joining our class, it was a really great experience learning about jazz music!
On this day, Dr. Watson had the whole class to sit in a circle, so that he can interact with each one of us individually. In this interactive setting, Dr. Watson played three tunes and distributed a listening sheet so that we can all jot down comments about the style of the pieces, and we all discussed about it as a group. After, he allowed each one of us to use our own instruments and improv along with him. Dr. Kevin Watson had “Bb Blues Play-Along” playing, and we were to repeat his own different renditions of improvisation. Throughout this task, I came to a better understanding of improvisation. Next, he had us to do our own improvisation while using only four notes. I felt nervous and uncomfortable about doing it, but when it came to my turn, I successfully did it and I felt good about it. At the end, Dr. Watson gave us great insight on how to feel the beat and rhythm of jazz music while he instructed the class to dance to it.
I reflected and I learned that it is mostly important to focus on the feeling and rhythm of music. Improv allows people to be free and have fun. I learn that I shouldn’t ever feel like I must improv “correctly.” Improvisation influences us to put a spin on music, and to create our own style. I also learn that improvisation is never a test in music education, yet it is an assessment. Dr. Watson wants us to solely be focused on the feel and rhythm of jazz music. I had a great experience during this class! I really enjoyed coming out of my comfort zone and doing something new. I would really like to thank Dr. Watson for joining our class, it was a really great experience learning about jazz music!
Imagine by Lennon - Class reflection
March 13, 2017
Cathy’s class was given an opportunity to listen to several different versions of “Imagine” by John Lennon. All the versions were very different, and each stood out to me differently. Each version was created in different styles. As Lennon’s “Imagine” had just piano as the main instrument, in other versions, there were orchestra instruments, and rapping. Each version revealed different emotions and meaning. In the future, if I gave a group of students a task to cover a song, I approach this by creating several different groups, and I tell each group to recreate the song in any ways they want. Cohesively, as a group, they can think of a way to create something through using any instrument, their voices, remixing on their devices, or even through their body language in dancing. If two groups used percussion instruments to cover a song, both groups would approach the assignment in different ways. There are so many ways that students can look at this task as they brainstorm together.
Cathy’s class was given an opportunity to listen to several different versions of “Imagine” by John Lennon. All the versions were very different, and each stood out to me differently. Each version was created in different styles. As Lennon’s “Imagine” had just piano as the main instrument, in other versions, there were orchestra instruments, and rapping. Each version revealed different emotions and meaning. In the future, if I gave a group of students a task to cover a song, I approach this by creating several different groups, and I tell each group to recreate the song in any ways they want. Cohesively, as a group, they can think of a way to create something through using any instrument, their voices, remixing on their devices, or even through their body language in dancing. If two groups used percussion instruments to cover a song, both groups would approach the assignment in different ways. There are so many ways that students can look at this task as they brainstorm together.
Kelly Bylica
On March 15, 2017, it was an honour to have Kelly come talk to the Intro to Music Education class! It was such an amazing experience to listen to her speak to us about her past experiences with teaching students music. Kelly talked to the class about how her students did not understand the relationship between studying music in school, and outside of school. The whole concept about making music to them was bizarre. It was interesting to see in what way her students were immersed in music at school. As the students created a fascinating musical piece, they felt like they were just completing a task that they were given, but not musically. It was revealed by Kelly that some students took music as a "bird course", or they joined the school band because they had a crush on one of the instrumentalists. I really feel that music at school should be something to pursue and learn in so that you can grow from it, as music can change your mentality and the way you think.
Kelly interactively shared with the class an activity. Everyone was in groups, and each group had a book to discuss about. There was a song to each book, and everyone had to determine what kind of melody and sound it conveyed from the illustration and text of the books. Every book was so unique and different, and it was interesting to see how the authors created it. It is thought-provoking to see how we can all learn in class just through engaging musically with one another in a group, and simply through children’s story books. Every book was so creatively drawn. Having Kelly as a guest speaker was a wonderful experience, and I hope I can hear her speak to us again someday!
Kelly interactively shared with the class an activity. Everyone was in groups, and each group had a book to discuss about. There was a song to each book, and everyone had to determine what kind of melody and sound it conveyed from the illustration and text of the books. Every book was so unique and different, and it was interesting to see how the authors created it. It is thought-provoking to see how we can all learn in class just through engaging musically with one another in a group, and simply through children’s story books. Every book was so creatively drawn. Having Kelly as a guest speaker was a wonderful experience, and I hope I can hear her speak to us again someday!
Dr. Ruth Wright
On March 5, 2017, Dr. Ruth Wright came to speak to my Intro to Music Education class, and she talked to us about her involvement in Musical Futures. She revealed that it is important for students to become empowered through music, while having their own direction of their own learning, and being more hands-on and exploring music. It was really inspiring to hear her talk about her individual insights about music education. I was able to connect with her personally, and learn from her unique teaching styles for music students.
Dr. Ruth really allowed me to be more expressive and creative. She gave all of us a task to recreate a song in any way we want in groups. As I am usually nervous about performing in front of my class, this task allowed me to be more excited about being there while engaging with the class through music. So, my group and I had a lot of fun recreating "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran. We experimented with a variety of percussive instruments, boomwhackers, harmonizing voices, and different sound effects using our voices. This task is my favourite experience from this class as I could go out of my comfort zone, and enjoy creating fun music. Every day at Western, I am being positively impacted through music, and becoming more and more confident through it.
Dr. Ruth really allowed me to be more expressive and creative. She gave all of us a task to recreate a song in any way we want in groups. As I am usually nervous about performing in front of my class, this task allowed me to be more excited about being there while engaging with the class through music. So, my group and I had a lot of fun recreating "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran. We experimented with a variety of percussive instruments, boomwhackers, harmonizing voices, and different sound effects using our voices. This task is my favourite experience from this class as I could go out of my comfort zone, and enjoy creating fun music. Every day at Western, I am being positively impacted through music, and becoming more and more confident through it.
workshop with dr. randall Allsup
On February 11, 2017, Dr. Randall Allsup came to speak to my Intro to Music Education class for a three-hour workshop session. The topic of our discussion was "Remixing the Classroom: Toward an Open Philosophy of Music Education." The whole session allowed me to gain so much knowledge about the philosophy of music education. It consisted of listening to two contrasting music pieces, communicating with one another about the pieces, and gradually gaining inner knowledge about how we can incorporate community and creativity into a classroom through them. Dr. Allsup showed us a Western piece called "Ostinato Pianissimo" by Henry Cowell, and a Mongolian folk song called, "Grassland, My Home."
I appreciated the cultural approach that the class experienced while listening to the different pieces. After listening to each piece, the class was asked to create an ostinato rhythm with three different timbres. It was quite an exciting experience to share our ostinato rhythms among the classroom. As many people shared, it was interesting to see all our different minds collide and our creativity growing. Music is so vast, and there is a variety of different languages that pursue it differently. It was a great experience to create music in reflection of the different cultures. I have always strongly felt that cultural respect is important, and that people should be aware of them, and I think that this is important to incorporate in music. We can create anything we want, and no one will judge us for it. From the workshop, I gained that creating different rhythms and having fun is the main idea, and that is what creates a great sense of community in the classroom. It was also really evident that music positively brought everyone together while building a memory. I strongly felt that it was amazing to build off a singular piece of information of music into something so great. While being in the classroom today with Dr. Allsup, the class was able to harmoniously come together to with all our different minds. It was a greatly coordinated classroom, with a student-centered atmostphere.
I appreciated the cultural approach that the class experienced while listening to the different pieces. After listening to each piece, the class was asked to create an ostinato rhythm with three different timbres. It was quite an exciting experience to share our ostinato rhythms among the classroom. As many people shared, it was interesting to see all our different minds collide and our creativity growing. Music is so vast, and there is a variety of different languages that pursue it differently. It was a great experience to create music in reflection of the different cultures. I have always strongly felt that cultural respect is important, and that people should be aware of them, and I think that this is important to incorporate in music. We can create anything we want, and no one will judge us for it. From the workshop, I gained that creating different rhythms and having fun is the main idea, and that is what creates a great sense of community in the classroom. It was also really evident that music positively brought everyone together while building a memory. I strongly felt that it was amazing to build off a singular piece of information of music into something so great. While being in the classroom today with Dr. Allsup, the class was able to harmoniously come together to with all our different minds. It was a greatly coordinated classroom, with a student-centered atmostphere.
conversation with brittany marotta
Hannah:
Hey Brittany! Loved your video, it was so informative and I really got to know more about you! Here are some questions that I have for you.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice, rather than the other instruments that you learned?
2. That’s really awesome that you got to teach music! Did you enjoy teaching voice or piano more?
3. Tell more about your teaching experience! What age were they? Do enjoy teaching?
4. What is your favourite memory from teaching music at home and at the conservatory? What is your least favourite?
5. Did you want to take music lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
6. Did you feel like you had too much priorities in your hands, with all the music courses at school, choir practices, and acting lessons? How did you feel?
7. How has music impacted your life?
8. When did realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
9. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Brittany:
Hi Hannah! Thanks for the questions.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice, rather than the other instruments that you learned?
I was inspired to pursue voice because it was always what I enjoyed most. Voice was the first thing I took to and learned and is also what I'm strongest at.
2. That’s really awesome that you got to teach music! Did you enjoy teaching voice or piano more?
I really enjoyed teaching both piano and voice, but overall I did enjoy teaching vocal the most. I always found that I had more ways to teach voice, more methods of learning and explaining, etc.
3. Tell more about your teaching experience! What age were they? Do enjoy teaching?
Teaching was something I enjoyed in the beginning for sure! The longer I taught and had experience with it the more I realized that just isn't for me. I taught children aged 5-11 years old. Most were either in voice or piano, some of the older children being in both.
4. What is your favourite memory from teaching music at home and at the conservatory? What is your least favourite?
My favourite memory from teaching for sure has to be when I entered a couple of my students into a local music competition and they won their categories. Seeing how happy they were made it worth it. One of my least favourite memories was when one of my younger students, (she was 5 at the time) had sat in with me on her sisters piano lesson as hers was right after and their mother had to go out and pick some things up. During that lesson the younger one refused to listen to me, and actually broke the piano chord. It was an interesting thing to explain to the conservatory manager afterwards.
5. Did you want to take music lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
I had wanted to take music lessons. I was really excited to take vocal lessons. I also wanted to take guitar lessons, but instead my parents put me in piano. At first I enjoyed it but over the years piano became a really big chore for me. I got to the point of basically hating piano, to this day I refuse to play any RCM music because it feels forced and I just don't like to do it.
6. Did you feel like you had too much priorities in your hands, with all the music courses at school, choir practices, and acting lessons? How did you feel?
Once I started high school all of the activities I had going on started to gradually increase. By the time I was in grade 12 I was basically at home just to sleep but I loved it. I kept wanting to do things because I felt bored or like I wasn't doing enough otherwise. I wanted to be as involved with music and theatre as I could be, and get as much experience as I possibly could so by the time I started here at Western I'd be able to handle being busy, weird schedules, etc.
7. How has music impacted your life?
Music has impacted my life in so many ways. Its always been a love of mine. I found that music has always been an escape for me from the world around me. Either singing, listening to, writing, etc., music has been the one solid thing I could go to and would be there no matter what was happening or how bad things were. I decided at a really young age that music was something I wanted to do with my life, and that in itself impacted my life. From that point I knew there were certain things I needed to do in order to make sure that would happen. This changed what courses I took in school, music lessons I took outside of school, etc. (Although I was never good at math and science anyways) Music was always the one thing I saw myself doing, and the only thing I saw myself doing. It's my happy place, my passion and just overall what I love most.
8. When did realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
I realized that I wanted to pursue music before I even started high school. Since I was 5 or 6, I had continuously said "I want to do music." Going into high school I knew that I wanted to continue on into music, which I made clear to my teachers and academic consular that was the path I wanted to take.
9. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
My favourite memory here at Western so far has to be my first studio recital. The experience of working really hard, practicing, and being able to perform something to say "this is what I've done here so far, this is what I've learn and what all my hard work has done" was definitely a great moment for me. One of the toughest challenges I've had to face since being here was being sick. Since I got here in September I've been quite sick. It started with the virus I got during O-Week; basically making me miss most of it, followed by strep throat, then a few infections, strep throat again, etc. This lasted right until Frost week. So far I've avoided it but sickness definetly put me at a disadvantage. Not being able to sing when you're a vocal major isn't a good thing. But hopefully this semester will be better!
Hopefully this gave you a better idea about me, and questions for you will soon follow this email!
Brittany Marotta
Hannah:
Hi Brittany,
it was really awesome getting to know you and how your journey through pursuing music began, I am excited for what is next for you in the future! I think that it is amazing that you got to enter your own students into music competitions and that they were able to succeed. It is great to see your own students to grow and become successful. Learning about your past experience inspired me and I am really glad that I got to know you through your informative answers.
I hope that your time here at Western is memorable and an amazing experience.
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
...
Brittany:
Hi Hannah! Loved your video! Here are some questions for you:
1. What moment made you decide that you wanted to be in education?
2. What made you realize that piano was the right instrument for you instead of violin?
3. How did piano become an escape for you? What happened to make you feel this way?
4. How did volunteering at your church feel? Did you enjoy this experience?
5. What is your favourite memory from being in your high school concert band?
6. Since starting at Western, what have you found to be your biggest challenge? Biggest success?
Thanks!
Brittany
Hannah:
Hey Brittany! Thanks for the questions, here are my responses.
1. What moment made you decide that you wanted to be in education?
I decided to pursue in the education route because I found myself loving and helping people, and I can see myself teaching them music. A specific moment that I see myself doing this is when I was voluntarily teaching my friend piano, and I felt that it was something that I wanted to do everyday!
2. What made you realize that piano was the right instrument for you instead of violin?
When I was young, I did not enjoy playing violin because I never felt like practicing for it, and I ended up losing interest for this instrument. I then found myself playing the piano as a hobby after I quit violin. I really enjoyed playing the piano on a daily basis, and I never felt obligated to practice, I felt happy. That is when I realized that the piano was the right instrument for me.
3. How did piano become an escape for you? What happened to make you feel this way?
Playing piano was an escape for me as I was able to be creative and adventurous in my own space. Piano was also a source of therapy for me whenever I felt down; it made me feel more content.
4. How did volunteering at your church feel? Did you enjoy this experience?
Volunteering at my church made me gain a lot more experience in performing in front of an audience, and I was able feel more comfortable in front of them. I really did enjoy this experience as I was able to express my own faith through my talents.
5. What is your favourite memory from being in your high school concert band?
My favourite experience being in my high school concert band is when we all travelled by bus to Ottawa to compete in the Golden Horseshoe Festival. Not only that it was a great experience in competing, it was really fun to get to know my band friends and tour Ottawa all together for a couple of days!
6. Since starting at Western, what have you found to be your biggest challenge? Biggest success?
My biggest challenge being at Western is when I had to cope with my studio teacher as she made me feel discouraged, and I learn to be more confident and be accepting with her comments. My biggest success is when I was able to pass first semester with a great average. It was a stressful time, and as I pulled through and did my best, I was able to maintain a fairly great average.
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Hey Brittany! Loved your video, it was so informative and I really got to know more about you! Here are some questions that I have for you.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice, rather than the other instruments that you learned?
2. That’s really awesome that you got to teach music! Did you enjoy teaching voice or piano more?
3. Tell more about your teaching experience! What age were they? Do enjoy teaching?
4. What is your favourite memory from teaching music at home and at the conservatory? What is your least favourite?
5. Did you want to take music lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
6. Did you feel like you had too much priorities in your hands, with all the music courses at school, choir practices, and acting lessons? How did you feel?
7. How has music impacted your life?
8. When did realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
9. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Brittany:
Hi Hannah! Thanks for the questions.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice, rather than the other instruments that you learned?
I was inspired to pursue voice because it was always what I enjoyed most. Voice was the first thing I took to and learned and is also what I'm strongest at.
2. That’s really awesome that you got to teach music! Did you enjoy teaching voice or piano more?
I really enjoyed teaching both piano and voice, but overall I did enjoy teaching vocal the most. I always found that I had more ways to teach voice, more methods of learning and explaining, etc.
3. Tell more about your teaching experience! What age were they? Do enjoy teaching?
Teaching was something I enjoyed in the beginning for sure! The longer I taught and had experience with it the more I realized that just isn't for me. I taught children aged 5-11 years old. Most were either in voice or piano, some of the older children being in both.
4. What is your favourite memory from teaching music at home and at the conservatory? What is your least favourite?
My favourite memory from teaching for sure has to be when I entered a couple of my students into a local music competition and they won their categories. Seeing how happy they were made it worth it. One of my least favourite memories was when one of my younger students, (she was 5 at the time) had sat in with me on her sisters piano lesson as hers was right after and their mother had to go out and pick some things up. During that lesson the younger one refused to listen to me, and actually broke the piano chord. It was an interesting thing to explain to the conservatory manager afterwards.
5. Did you want to take music lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
I had wanted to take music lessons. I was really excited to take vocal lessons. I also wanted to take guitar lessons, but instead my parents put me in piano. At first I enjoyed it but over the years piano became a really big chore for me. I got to the point of basically hating piano, to this day I refuse to play any RCM music because it feels forced and I just don't like to do it.
6. Did you feel like you had too much priorities in your hands, with all the music courses at school, choir practices, and acting lessons? How did you feel?
Once I started high school all of the activities I had going on started to gradually increase. By the time I was in grade 12 I was basically at home just to sleep but I loved it. I kept wanting to do things because I felt bored or like I wasn't doing enough otherwise. I wanted to be as involved with music and theatre as I could be, and get as much experience as I possibly could so by the time I started here at Western I'd be able to handle being busy, weird schedules, etc.
7. How has music impacted your life?
Music has impacted my life in so many ways. Its always been a love of mine. I found that music has always been an escape for me from the world around me. Either singing, listening to, writing, etc., music has been the one solid thing I could go to and would be there no matter what was happening or how bad things were. I decided at a really young age that music was something I wanted to do with my life, and that in itself impacted my life. From that point I knew there were certain things I needed to do in order to make sure that would happen. This changed what courses I took in school, music lessons I took outside of school, etc. (Although I was never good at math and science anyways) Music was always the one thing I saw myself doing, and the only thing I saw myself doing. It's my happy place, my passion and just overall what I love most.
8. When did realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
I realized that I wanted to pursue music before I even started high school. Since I was 5 or 6, I had continuously said "I want to do music." Going into high school I knew that I wanted to continue on into music, which I made clear to my teachers and academic consular that was the path I wanted to take.
9. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
My favourite memory here at Western so far has to be my first studio recital. The experience of working really hard, practicing, and being able to perform something to say "this is what I've done here so far, this is what I've learn and what all my hard work has done" was definitely a great moment for me. One of the toughest challenges I've had to face since being here was being sick. Since I got here in September I've been quite sick. It started with the virus I got during O-Week; basically making me miss most of it, followed by strep throat, then a few infections, strep throat again, etc. This lasted right until Frost week. So far I've avoided it but sickness definetly put me at a disadvantage. Not being able to sing when you're a vocal major isn't a good thing. But hopefully this semester will be better!
Hopefully this gave you a better idea about me, and questions for you will soon follow this email!
Brittany Marotta
Hannah:
Hi Brittany,
it was really awesome getting to know you and how your journey through pursuing music began, I am excited for what is next for you in the future! I think that it is amazing that you got to enter your own students into music competitions and that they were able to succeed. It is great to see your own students to grow and become successful. Learning about your past experience inspired me and I am really glad that I got to know you through your informative answers.
I hope that your time here at Western is memorable and an amazing experience.
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
...
Brittany:
Hi Hannah! Loved your video! Here are some questions for you:
1. What moment made you decide that you wanted to be in education?
2. What made you realize that piano was the right instrument for you instead of violin?
3. How did piano become an escape for you? What happened to make you feel this way?
4. How did volunteering at your church feel? Did you enjoy this experience?
5. What is your favourite memory from being in your high school concert band?
6. Since starting at Western, what have you found to be your biggest challenge? Biggest success?
Thanks!
Brittany
Hannah:
Hey Brittany! Thanks for the questions, here are my responses.
1. What moment made you decide that you wanted to be in education?
I decided to pursue in the education route because I found myself loving and helping people, and I can see myself teaching them music. A specific moment that I see myself doing this is when I was voluntarily teaching my friend piano, and I felt that it was something that I wanted to do everyday!
2. What made you realize that piano was the right instrument for you instead of violin?
When I was young, I did not enjoy playing violin because I never felt like practicing for it, and I ended up losing interest for this instrument. I then found myself playing the piano as a hobby after I quit violin. I really enjoyed playing the piano on a daily basis, and I never felt obligated to practice, I felt happy. That is when I realized that the piano was the right instrument for me.
3. How did piano become an escape for you? What happened to make you feel this way?
Playing piano was an escape for me as I was able to be creative and adventurous in my own space. Piano was also a source of therapy for me whenever I felt down; it made me feel more content.
4. How did volunteering at your church feel? Did you enjoy this experience?
Volunteering at my church made me gain a lot more experience in performing in front of an audience, and I was able feel more comfortable in front of them. I really did enjoy this experience as I was able to express my own faith through my talents.
5. What is your favourite memory from being in your high school concert band?
My favourite experience being in my high school concert band is when we all travelled by bus to Ottawa to compete in the Golden Horseshoe Festival. Not only that it was a great experience in competing, it was really fun to get to know my band friends and tour Ottawa all together for a couple of days!
6. Since starting at Western, what have you found to be your biggest challenge? Biggest success?
My biggest challenge being at Western is when I had to cope with my studio teacher as she made me feel discouraged, and I learn to be more confident and be accepting with her comments. My biggest success is when I was able to pass first semester with a great average. It was a stressful time, and as I pulled through and did my best, I was able to maintain a fairly great average.
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Conversation with carinna sabetti
Hannah:
Hi Carinna, loved your video! It was very informative, and I am glad that I got to know more about you! Here are some questions.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice?
2. Did you want to take voice lessons, or did your parents make you to take them? 3. Did you feel like you had too many priorities in your hands, with all the clubs you were a part of at school, choirs, musicals, academics, sports? How did you feel?
4. How did you feel going into Cawthra? Did you know that you that were going to pursue music in post-secondary?
5. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
6. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
7. From all the choirs, and enseumbles that you were a part of, which one was your favourite?
8. What challenges did you face at Cawthra, in the music program (in choirs, ensembles, musicals)?
9. How has music impacted your life?
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Carinna:
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your questions. I’d be happy to answer them.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice?
Ever since I could talk, I could sing. Singing is the one thing that I never get tired of doing and it always brought joy to me. Growing up I decided to take singing lessons and see if singing was something I wanted to pursue in. After seeing my improvement over the years, I decided to audition for a high school called Cawthra Park Secondary School. My experiences at this school truly inspired me to go to university for music- voice. At Cawthra I came in only having a limited amount of knowledge but after 4 years I came out as a new person.
2. Did you want to take voice lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
My choir teacher in elementary school was the one that suggested to my mom about taking singing lessons. She knew that with a proper coach, I could really develop a beautiful voice, so she introduced me to her vocal coach and started talking lessons with her right away. My parents knew that I had some talent in music but never knew what to do about it. After taking lessons for a year, my parents kept asking me if it was something I wanted to continue with so I kept up with the lessons and eventually tried other vocal teachers to get different perspectives of my voice and teaching styles.
3. Did you feel like you had too many priorities in your hands, with all the clubs you were a part of at school, choirs, musicals, academics, sports? How did you feel?
It was before going into high school, I had to make a decision on what activities I wanted to keep up with and the others I wanted to drop. I knew that things were going to get harder in high school and I knew that going to an arts school there were going to be lots of activities and clubs I would want to participate in. Right then and there I had to make the hard decision and being very indecisive I knew I would have trouble with this. Although, I would have to say grade 11 was by far the hardest year for me. I was so busy with school work, choir, sports and the musical that there were moments when I would crash down for how much I was doing. It was very stressful and there were multiple breakdowns and cries for me. I never had a break and I was always on the go. I was tired all the time. A lot of people thought I was crazy for putting myself through all this but I just loved doing it so much even though there were tough times. I knew I did a lot in high school but I loved doing it all and I didn’t want to leave high school wishing and regretting anything. Having different musical experiences has helped me to become the musician I am today and I am so thankful for that.
4. How did you feel going into Cawthra? Did you know that you that were going to pursue music in post-secondary?
I was really nervous attending Cawthra because I was going into a school with very talented people and I didn’t know how I would adapt to this new environment. I also didn’t know many people there so that was also something that was very intimidating for me. The hardest part for me was singing in front of my music class for the first time. Back in grade 9, I really struggled with having performance anxiety and the thought of other people judging me was really scary for me and that was hard for me to cope.
Cawthra inspired me to pursue music in post-secondary. I got introduced into jazz music and more classical knowledge that it got me interested to learn more and continue it into university.
5. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
I knew in my careers class in grade 10 that I wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school. I had to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in an assignment we were working on and it was really scary because I was only 15 or 16 years’ old and I barely even knew myself enough to make that decision. The thought of that was crazy to me back then but it really got me thinking about what I could possibly do for the rest of life. Now because of that class I started making music my main priority, in order to get ready for university. Two of my music teachers from choir both came to Western for their music education program and that’s how I knew I wanted to come to western to pursue music.
6. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
My favourite memory at Western is meeting my friends and creating memories with them that I will always remember. Sometimes when I have time to think about things, I always think about how lucky I am to be here and what great friends I have. I have had some issues with past friends and knowing now that I have friends who want to hang out with me and that care about me, makes me really happy.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is transitioning into this new lifestyle. University is so different from high school but Cawthra really prepared me for most of the situations I’ve faced at Western. The first few months of school were really hard for me especially being away from home and not knowing anyone.
7. From all the choirs, and ensembles that you were a part of, which one was your favourite?
I was a part of jazz and classical choirs in all 4 years of attending Cawthra but I would say that my favourite classical choir was Chamber and my favourite jazz choir was Mississauga Tranzzit. These two choirs were the ones that really helped me to grow as a performer and I learned so much from being a part of these two choirs. I also got lots of incredible opportunities with both of these choirs.
8. What challenges did you face at Cawthra, in the music program (in choirs, ensembles, musicals)?
The biggest challenge for me was picking myself up when not being the best I can be with every performance whether it is a solo, duet, trio or big ensemble. I would always feel embarrassed and defeated if I messed up. I sometimes would lose confidence in myself and resort to thinking about what other people might think about me negatively. I overthink everything that has to do with me singing or performing in front of others and I know having that pressure on myself is not healthy but it is something I am working on.
9. How has music impacted your life?
Honestly, without music I would not know who I am as a person. Music is my life and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve got to explore myself through music and have amazing experiences with music. I feel like everyone has different ways of coping with different things in life and I always go to music when I’m sad or upset or something bad in my life has happened. It helps me communicate in a way I can’t say with my own words.
Thanks,
Carinna Sabetti
Hannah:
Hi Carinna,
Thanks for your responses, it was awesome getting to know you through them! High school seems like it would of been very busy yet a really life changing experience for you. The choirs, ensembles and musicals that you were a part of seem like a handful, but a really fun! As you are here at Wester now, I am glad that you were able to create lots of memories and great friends here.
Learning about your past experience inspired me and I am really glad that I got to know you through your informative answers.
I hope that your time here at Western is memorable and an amazing experience!
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
...
Carinna:
Hi Hannah Cho,
I really enjoyed watching your “Who Am I” video. Being able to hear about your past music experiences has given me a better understanding of who you are as a person and as a musician.
Here are just a few questions I have for you after watching your video:
1. You mentioned you wanted to go into the route of music education, but what level of education where you thinking of teaching? High school? Elementary/Middle School? University/College? Private Lessons?
2. Was taking music lessons something you wanted to start or did your parents influence you to take lessons?
3. How has music been beneficial to your life?
4. Why did you stop playing the violin and out of all the instruments why did you start playing the piano?
5. Tell me more about your experiences playing percussion?
6. What was your favourite memory playing percussion with your band in high school?
7. Where you scared when you started learning to play either the violin or the piano?
8. How has your role model (piano teacher) inspired you to grow into the musician you have become today?
9. You said that indie, R&B, and contemporary Christian music were your favourite genres of music but what style of music is your favourite when playing piano?
Thanks,
Carinna Sabetti
Hannah:
Hi Carinna! Thank you for the questions, here are my responses.
1. You mentioned you wanted to go into the route of music education, but what level of education where you thinking of teaching? High school? Elementary/Middle School? University/College? Private Lessons?
I am not entirely sure of which route to go into. I am thinking of Elementary/Middle school and high school. I love children, but I also want to teach older kids who are taking music seriously in a high school setting. Teaching music in an arts school would be a great experience. I think that as I learn more about myself throughout these 4 years studying Music Education, I get to find out and realize which route that I want to go into.
2. Was taking music lessons something you wanted to start or did your parents influence you to take lessons?
Taking music lessons is something that I chose to do. As I had a piano at my house, I would always play it for fun, and I really wanted to take music seriously.
3. How has music been beneficial to your life?
Music has been beneficial in my life as I used it as my own creative space. Ever since I started playing piano, it started as a source of therapy. I was always in comfort and as I truly felt talented in this hobby of mine, I felt worthy and great about myself. Music benefitted me to find my true self.
4. Why did you stop playing the violin and out of all the instruments why did you start playing the piano?
I stopped playing the violin at around age 4. I believe that I stopped because of my very young ago, and immaturity as I hated practicing. So my parents wanted to stop paying for all my lessons. As time passed, I found myself playing the piano at times, and my love for it grew immensely into a passion in my young age. (My video said I started at age 10- actually age 4 oops)
5. Tell me more about your experiences playing percussion?
As an extracurricular activity, I played the bells, xylophone, and chimes in my school concert band. It was a really great experience as I was able to gain performance experience, and meet new people who loved music just like I do. I was only a part of concert band for 2 years, and within the 2 years, I was able to experience performing at school events. My concert band also got the opportunity to compete in The Golden Horse Shoe Festival in Ottawa as we won gold at Music Fest.
6. What was your favourite memory playing percussion with your band in high school?
My favourite memory being a part of the concert band is when we all travelled to Ottawa. It was a really fun and adventurous experience. The three days consisted of attending music events, touring the Capital with friends. As well, we were able to compete at the Golden Horseshoe Festival.
7. Where you scared when you started learning to play either the violin or the piano?
I was not scared when I started to learn my instruments as it was a really great learning experience for me.
8. How has your role model (piano teacher) inspired you to grow into the musician you have become today?
My piano teacher has been a part of my life for 8 years, and she was with me through all the hardships I faced in middle school and high school. Significantly, she taught me to become a successful pianist, and to be confident wit h myself. She also really helped me through my mission to become accepted into the music program here at Western. She kept me on my feet and pushed me to do my very best.
9. You said that indie, R&B, and contemporary Christian music were your favourite genres of music but what style of music is your favourite when playing piano?
My favourite style to play on piano is classical. I enjoy playing popular songs in piano, but I enjoy playing classical the most.
Hi Carinna, loved your video! It was very informative, and I am glad that I got to know more about you! Here are some questions.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice?
2. Did you want to take voice lessons, or did your parents make you to take them? 3. Did you feel like you had too many priorities in your hands, with all the clubs you were a part of at school, choirs, musicals, academics, sports? How did you feel?
4. How did you feel going into Cawthra? Did you know that you that were going to pursue music in post-secondary?
5. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
6. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
7. From all the choirs, and enseumbles that you were a part of, which one was your favourite?
8. What challenges did you face at Cawthra, in the music program (in choirs, ensembles, musicals)?
9. How has music impacted your life?
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
Carinna:
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for your questions. I’d be happy to answer them.
1. How did you become inspired to pursue in voice?
Ever since I could talk, I could sing. Singing is the one thing that I never get tired of doing and it always brought joy to me. Growing up I decided to take singing lessons and see if singing was something I wanted to pursue in. After seeing my improvement over the years, I decided to audition for a high school called Cawthra Park Secondary School. My experiences at this school truly inspired me to go to university for music- voice. At Cawthra I came in only having a limited amount of knowledge but after 4 years I came out as a new person.
2. Did you want to take voice lessons, or did your parents make you to take them?
My choir teacher in elementary school was the one that suggested to my mom about taking singing lessons. She knew that with a proper coach, I could really develop a beautiful voice, so she introduced me to her vocal coach and started talking lessons with her right away. My parents knew that I had some talent in music but never knew what to do about it. After taking lessons for a year, my parents kept asking me if it was something I wanted to continue with so I kept up with the lessons and eventually tried other vocal teachers to get different perspectives of my voice and teaching styles.
3. Did you feel like you had too many priorities in your hands, with all the clubs you were a part of at school, choirs, musicals, academics, sports? How did you feel?
It was before going into high school, I had to make a decision on what activities I wanted to keep up with and the others I wanted to drop. I knew that things were going to get harder in high school and I knew that going to an arts school there were going to be lots of activities and clubs I would want to participate in. Right then and there I had to make the hard decision and being very indecisive I knew I would have trouble with this. Although, I would have to say grade 11 was by far the hardest year for me. I was so busy with school work, choir, sports and the musical that there were moments when I would crash down for how much I was doing. It was very stressful and there were multiple breakdowns and cries for me. I never had a break and I was always on the go. I was tired all the time. A lot of people thought I was crazy for putting myself through all this but I just loved doing it so much even though there were tough times. I knew I did a lot in high school but I loved doing it all and I didn’t want to leave high school wishing and regretting anything. Having different musical experiences has helped me to become the musician I am today and I am so thankful for that.
4. How did you feel going into Cawthra? Did you know that you that were going to pursue music in post-secondary?
I was really nervous attending Cawthra because I was going into a school with very talented people and I didn’t know how I would adapt to this new environment. I also didn’t know many people there so that was also something that was very intimidating for me. The hardest part for me was singing in front of my music class for the first time. Back in grade 9, I really struggled with having performance anxiety and the thought of other people judging me was really scary for me and that was hard for me to cope.
Cawthra inspired me to pursue music in post-secondary. I got introduced into jazz music and more classical knowledge that it got me interested to learn more and continue it into university.
5. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school?
I knew in my careers class in grade 10 that I wanted to pursue music in post-secondary school. I had to decide what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in an assignment we were working on and it was really scary because I was only 15 or 16 years’ old and I barely even knew myself enough to make that decision. The thought of that was crazy to me back then but it really got me thinking about what I could possibly do for the rest of life. Now because of that class I started making music my main priority, in order to get ready for university. Two of my music teachers from choir both came to Western for their music education program and that’s how I knew I wanted to come to western to pursue music.
6. What is your favourite memory here, at Western? What was the toughest challenge you have faced here?
My favourite memory at Western is meeting my friends and creating memories with them that I will always remember. Sometimes when I have time to think about things, I always think about how lucky I am to be here and what great friends I have. I have had some issues with past friends and knowing now that I have friends who want to hang out with me and that care about me, makes me really happy.
The toughest challenge I’ve faced is transitioning into this new lifestyle. University is so different from high school but Cawthra really prepared me for most of the situations I’ve faced at Western. The first few months of school were really hard for me especially being away from home and not knowing anyone.
7. From all the choirs, and ensembles that you were a part of, which one was your favourite?
I was a part of jazz and classical choirs in all 4 years of attending Cawthra but I would say that my favourite classical choir was Chamber and my favourite jazz choir was Mississauga Tranzzit. These two choirs were the ones that really helped me to grow as a performer and I learned so much from being a part of these two choirs. I also got lots of incredible opportunities with both of these choirs.
8. What challenges did you face at Cawthra, in the music program (in choirs, ensembles, musicals)?
The biggest challenge for me was picking myself up when not being the best I can be with every performance whether it is a solo, duet, trio or big ensemble. I would always feel embarrassed and defeated if I messed up. I sometimes would lose confidence in myself and resort to thinking about what other people might think about me negatively. I overthink everything that has to do with me singing or performing in front of others and I know having that pressure on myself is not healthy but it is something I am working on.
9. How has music impacted your life?
Honestly, without music I would not know who I am as a person. Music is my life and I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve got to explore myself through music and have amazing experiences with music. I feel like everyone has different ways of coping with different things in life and I always go to music when I’m sad or upset or something bad in my life has happened. It helps me communicate in a way I can’t say with my own words.
Thanks,
Carinna Sabetti
Hannah:
Hi Carinna,
Thanks for your responses, it was awesome getting to know you through them! High school seems like it would of been very busy yet a really life changing experience for you. The choirs, ensembles and musicals that you were a part of seem like a handful, but a really fun! As you are here at Wester now, I am glad that you were able to create lots of memories and great friends here.
Learning about your past experience inspired me and I am really glad that I got to know you through your informative answers.
I hope that your time here at Western is memorable and an amazing experience!
Thanks,
Hannah Cho
...
Carinna:
Hi Hannah Cho,
I really enjoyed watching your “Who Am I” video. Being able to hear about your past music experiences has given me a better understanding of who you are as a person and as a musician.
Here are just a few questions I have for you after watching your video:
1. You mentioned you wanted to go into the route of music education, but what level of education where you thinking of teaching? High school? Elementary/Middle School? University/College? Private Lessons?
2. Was taking music lessons something you wanted to start or did your parents influence you to take lessons?
3. How has music been beneficial to your life?
4. Why did you stop playing the violin and out of all the instruments why did you start playing the piano?
5. Tell me more about your experiences playing percussion?
6. What was your favourite memory playing percussion with your band in high school?
7. Where you scared when you started learning to play either the violin or the piano?
8. How has your role model (piano teacher) inspired you to grow into the musician you have become today?
9. You said that indie, R&B, and contemporary Christian music were your favourite genres of music but what style of music is your favourite when playing piano?
Thanks,
Carinna Sabetti
Hannah:
Hi Carinna! Thank you for the questions, here are my responses.
1. You mentioned you wanted to go into the route of music education, but what level of education where you thinking of teaching? High school? Elementary/Middle School? University/College? Private Lessons?
I am not entirely sure of which route to go into. I am thinking of Elementary/Middle school and high school. I love children, but I also want to teach older kids who are taking music seriously in a high school setting. Teaching music in an arts school would be a great experience. I think that as I learn more about myself throughout these 4 years studying Music Education, I get to find out and realize which route that I want to go into.
2. Was taking music lessons something you wanted to start or did your parents influence you to take lessons?
Taking music lessons is something that I chose to do. As I had a piano at my house, I would always play it for fun, and I really wanted to take music seriously.
3. How has music been beneficial to your life?
Music has been beneficial in my life as I used it as my own creative space. Ever since I started playing piano, it started as a source of therapy. I was always in comfort and as I truly felt talented in this hobby of mine, I felt worthy and great about myself. Music benefitted me to find my true self.
4. Why did you stop playing the violin and out of all the instruments why did you start playing the piano?
I stopped playing the violin at around age 4. I believe that I stopped because of my very young ago, and immaturity as I hated practicing. So my parents wanted to stop paying for all my lessons. As time passed, I found myself playing the piano at times, and my love for it grew immensely into a passion in my young age. (My video said I started at age 10- actually age 4 oops)
5. Tell me more about your experiences playing percussion?
As an extracurricular activity, I played the bells, xylophone, and chimes in my school concert band. It was a really great experience as I was able to gain performance experience, and meet new people who loved music just like I do. I was only a part of concert band for 2 years, and within the 2 years, I was able to experience performing at school events. My concert band also got the opportunity to compete in The Golden Horse Shoe Festival in Ottawa as we won gold at Music Fest.
6. What was your favourite memory playing percussion with your band in high school?
My favourite memory being a part of the concert band is when we all travelled to Ottawa. It was a really fun and adventurous experience. The three days consisted of attending music events, touring the Capital with friends. As well, we were able to compete at the Golden Horseshoe Festival.
7. Where you scared when you started learning to play either the violin or the piano?
I was not scared when I started to learn my instruments as it was a really great learning experience for me.
8. How has your role model (piano teacher) inspired you to grow into the musician you have become today?
My piano teacher has been a part of my life for 8 years, and she was with me through all the hardships I faced in middle school and high school. Significantly, she taught me to become a successful pianist, and to be confident wit h myself. She also really helped me through my mission to become accepted into the music program here at Western. She kept me on my feet and pushed me to do my very best.
9. You said that indie, R&B, and contemporary Christian music were your favourite genres of music but what style of music is your favourite when playing piano?
My favourite style to play on piano is classical. I enjoy playing popular songs in piano, but I enjoy playing classical the most.
SKype call with Lesley Dawe
After reading the article that Lesley Dawe wrote, I was very interested in her journey through teaching, and her way of connecting with students. During the class's Skype call with Lesley, she was very open and her responses were always so clear and informative. I felt that she works hard to find balance and unity in her classroom, and she gave us many open responses that lead students to look at music education in a different scope.
For me, music classes in elementary were not very exciting and I felt that every day was very repetitive, with not much creativity in the teaching styles. I have been inspired to become a great music teacher just like Lesley, to teach with vulnerability and creativity. As well, she talked to us about her own classroom setting, and how she runs events with her students, which made me think about my own future, and how I would want my own classroom to look like. Lesley spoke to us about how chaotic things can get in a classroom setting, and it was inspiring to hear how she copes with everything, and how creatively seeks out for joy in everything that she does.
For me, music classes in elementary were not very exciting and I felt that every day was very repetitive, with not much creativity in the teaching styles. I have been inspired to become a great music teacher just like Lesley, to teach with vulnerability and creativity. As well, she talked to us about her own classroom setting, and how she runs events with her students, which made me think about my own future, and how I would want my own classroom to look like. Lesley spoke to us about how chaotic things can get in a classroom setting, and it was inspiring to hear how she copes with everything, and how creatively seeks out for joy in everything that she does.
Dr. Mark Hopkins
On Wednesday, January 18, 2017, Dr. Mark Hopkins gave my class a lot of great insight about the language of music, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and the pros and cons of using a method book in music education. Students were able to learn about importance of the method book in music education. I never realized how much a method book could affect a student in a good and bad way. From this lecture, I came to believe that it is good to use a method book, however I would revise the order of the units in the book to create my own teaching methods. Using a method book would be very useful, as it simplifies all the complexities in teaching you may face. It also unifies everyone’s experience as they all experience and earn the same thing, and there are also many practice melodies that you can go over on a daily basis. However, as I learned from Dr. Hopkins, I would not go in order of the method book as it shows that you are just following someone else’s way of how they wanted to run the classroom. Also, perhaps I may add in some of my own teaching styles, including a lot of creative activities. It was a great honour to have Dr. Hopkins speak to us, it was a great experience to listen to this interesting topic. This lecture was very eye-opening as it allowed me to open my eyes and look towards my future, and begin to think about what my musical pedagogy would be like.