Who I Am

Hello! My name is Rachel Smithson; I am currently a graduate music education student at the University of Bridgeport, and an Intern at Roger Ludlowe Middle School in Fairfield, CT. I graduated from Central CT State University (CCSU) with a B.A in Music and a strong desire to continue moving forward in my education by becoming a music teacher. 

I once had a college professor who told me that there are two types of music teachers in the world: those who are musicians who happen to teach, and those who are educators who happen to teach music. Since hearing those words, I have undergone a lot of personal reflection in an effort to figure out which kind I am, and if that’s kind I want to be. It’s an interesting question, but is this really true? And if so, is one better than the other? Thinking back to all the music teachers I’ve had and come into contact with over the years, there are some who I believe would clearly fall into each category. Many however, would not. 

I guess the real question would be, which aspect of music education do you personally value the most?

I've had an interest in music for as far back as I can remember. As a child I was very shy and didn't make friends easily. Music became a way that I could express myself when I couldn't find the words. It was my way of being able to connect to those around me, but mostly, it made me feel like I was a part of something greater than myself. To this day I relish in any experience where I get to make music with others. 

As an educator, I believe that music plays a crucial role in a society’s fundamental well being, and contains many facets of psychological and intellectual benefit that no one should go without. I also believe that music teachers are among the lucky few who are blessed with the unique opportunity to truly make a positive impact on a child’s life, and that only those dedicated to that effort should be allowed to enter the education environment. I think the best teacher is the one that finds the silver lining in the ever-constant wave of educational reforms, and that keeps the students at the forefront of any decisions made. The field of music education is always changing and evolving; therefore, I believe anyone entering that career field carries a huge responsibility.

I believe that every child should be able to experience music and it's ability to bring people together. I think that music teachers need to help their students feel empowered. Children want to know that they're not just another filled chair in the room, that they matter, and that the choices they make have the power to make a difference. It's important for us treat our students in such a way that they feel important. There's a quote by Maya Angelou that says it better than I will: 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

To me, teaching is a job filled with challenges, excitement, frustration, and joy that cannot be taken lightly. Every child is capable of meaningful learning and personal growth when they are given the proper amount of motivation, dedication, and care from their teachers. In my eyes, an outstanding teacher is one that uses their acquired knowledge, not only to teach, but also to inspire their students both inside and outside of the classroom. Through a sincere effort to make personal connections with students, an outstanding teacher gives them a sense of safety, security, trust, humor, and understanding so that the students feel empowered in their school rather than imprisoned. 

I believe in education, and it's power to take us places and I believe in the power of music and it's ability to take us to another place within ourselves. I believe that with the right attitude, work ethic, and dedication anything is possible. But mostly, I've come to believe that you don't get found without allowing yourself to be a little lost. You don't learn and grow from playing it safe, and you don't get to lead the orchestra without turning away from the crowd. It's like the saying goes, "A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for."

That's why this year I am working as hard as I can and trying to take advantage of every opportunity, as both a student and an intern, to learn as much as possible so that I can grow into the best teacher that I can be. I am working on getting out of my comfort zone and putting faith in myself and my abilities. I let you know how it's going!

Me (Rachel Smithson) playing flute at the 2013 Prism concert at Central CT State University (CCSU).

 Photo Credit to the CCSU Music Department.