I believe I have a calling to be a music teacher. Ever since I was young, I have nourished a love for music and children. I started playing piano and singing at age 5, later continuing my music journey by learning cello and drums. Some of the most influential people in my life were my music teachers. They have guided me and continue to play prominent roles in my life by supporting me and helping me grow as a music educator. Being inspired by them, I discovered a passion for teaching others. Encouraged by my piano teacher, I took a piano pedagogy class at age thirteen and started teaching piano lessons, lessons which I have continued to this day. When I first began teaching, my main goal was to make my students piano prodigies, often becoming frustrated when each lesson did not go perfectly. I started to notice the challenges my students dealt with, challenges including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even high-functioning autism. I began to question my role as a teacher. So, instead of focusing on my students learning every single note perfectly, I started to focus on how music could build their confidence and help them with their specific needs. I started making individualized lesson plans and even re-arranged pieces to make their learning experiences memorable and fun. I wanted to be more than just an average teacher teaching the material. I wanted to be an encouraging role model for my kids, as my teachers were for me.

In the world we live in, students endure much more than we know. With suicide being the second leading cause of death in adolescence and the rate of depression and anxiety being higher than ever before, students are facing struggles unlike any generation has seen. I firmly believe music has the power to change this world we live in. Science shows that music connects us as humans, builds confidence, and positively impacts mental development. Medical studies prove music can lessen anxiety and depression, ease pain, and improve cognition. Therefore, I believe children should be encouraged to participate in music as early as possible. Music can spark imagination and build creativity. Ensemble programs at school can build leadership skills and provide team-building exercises. Getting kids involved in music, even if it is not their focus in life, can give them the confidence to be the leaders of tomorrow.
 
As a music teacher, I want to provide all students, no matter age, background, or ethnicity, opportunities to engage in musical activities. Music can serve as an outlet for students. In my classroom and private studio, I want students to love music and to love playing their instruments. I want to expose students to a variety of music and musical topics to build well-rounded musicians. I believe in student choice, allowing students to have a voice in what they want to learn and perform. I also want to show students how other subjects and passions they may have connect to music. I want my students to understand that music for everyone. Music is a language, and everyone has the ability to be musical. As a baby, you first heard adults speak, then tried to echo those sounds. Music is the same way, this is why I teach using a sound-before-sight mentality, which is similar to learning how to speak. All in all, I want to provide a safe space for students to express themselves and simply have fun while learning music.