Prelude

Welcome to my new project! I wanted to make this blog for a couple of different reasons: one of which being a general log of my journey into becoming and improving as an educator. I also wanted some sort of resource out there for any young adult interested in what it’s like to be a music education major and- eventually- a music educator. Education has always been my passion, and is only paralleled by my love for music. I’ve never been the most incredible musician, but the intricacies of music fascinate me and I feel strongly about the importance of music in the lives of everyone.

I am in my fourth year (out of five) in the Instrumental Music Education program at the Ohio State University. I play the saxophone, am the oldest of four girls, dating a trumpet-playing physics major, and my parents are my best friends. I was diagnosed with cubital tunnel and tendinitis in both of my arms during my second semester of school. My hobbies outside of music include hiking, reading, and yoga. One of my favorite things to do is organize basically anything and my calendar is my lifeline.

Today marks my 11th day of quarantine/social distancing since the Ohio policy regarding COVID-19 began. With all the changes that have been occurring, the biggest affect on my life has been the shift to solely virtual instruction for my classes. I’m sure this is odd for a plethora of majors at the university, but I think music education is pretty high up there on the list of things online schooling is not ideal for.

For those reading this after the fact or just unaware, OSU (and multiple other universities in Ohio and throughout the country) have moved to a completely online format for the remainder of the spring semester. Graduation is postponed and in-person instruction is strictly prohibited- including field experience for education majors. All schools K-12 in Ohio have also been shut down for an extended spring break (March 17th-April 3rd) at this point in time. Today was the order from Ohio’s Governor DeWine declaring that all citizens must stay in their homes beginning tomorrow (Monday, March 23rd) until April 6th. While I am at my parents’ house at the moment, I will be making my way back to my Columbus residence this afternoon.

One class I’m currently in is Teaching Instrumental Music Education in Elementary and Middle Schools. With the new format, we will not be continuing our field experience and therefore not be able to teach our prepared lesson with our assigned class. We also will not be able to conduct and rehearse our class lab ensemble (comprised of our peers performing on secondary instruments) with feedback from our professors. We are still able to work on and submit the projects required by the class. These projects will serve as resources for future interviews and lessons as well as allow us to refine skills such as professional communication and essential organization with direct feedback from a mentor.

One of the most difficult things about this ordeal is continuing professional development while practicing social distancing. I took the opportunity presented yesterday on my drive to my parents’ house to listen to one of my favorite band-centered podcasts called ‘After Sectionals”. Yesterday’s episode focused on classroom management, which is something I have always somewhat worried about being a female in this career. This podcast is particularly interesting because it is mainly about two female band directors and how they run their middle school program in Texas. They just gained a first-year teacher to aid their program and provide diverse perspectives on the multitude of subjects they cover. This beginning teacher point of view is incredibly valuable to me as I will be in this position within the next few years.

Stay clean and healthy! It’s tough out there, but we’ll make it through together.