The Gift of Teaching Music by Savannah

The Gift of Teaching Music by Savannah - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

If I had to choose one word to describe why I wish to attend college, I would choose the word "music." Music has been a big part of my life from early elementary school. I first started playing the violin when I was in fifth grade. Now, as a senior in high school, I play with the local university's orchestra. From my beginning days of playing a squeaky “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to currently preparing repertoire for my senior recital, I have enjoyed every step of my musical journey. Beginning in fall of 2018, I will attend college to study for my bachelor’s degree in Music Performance while focusing on Violin Pedagogy. My career objective for after college is to combine my teaching and playing skills in order to give private violin lessons to school age children out of my own music studio.
As the oldest sibling, and a swim teacher for many years, I have always enjoyed working with children. I love teaching children and watching as they learn and grow. I love seeing them succeed at new skills for the first time. And I am honored when I get to be a part of both their successes and struggles. My future career objective is to be a violin teacher to school age children. However, I do not only want to teach children how to play the violin. I want to instill a love for music into them. As the proverb says, “Play the music, not the instrument.” My desire is to show students the joy and satisfaction that comes from practicing, learning about, and listening to music. More than just a violin teacher, I want to be a music teacher who motivates students to work hard, cheers them on when they succeed, and encourages them to persevere when they are struggling.
J.S. Bach said, ““Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” My goal as a music teacher will be to help both young and old alike appreciate God’s incredible gift of music. More than just a collection of sounds, music can bridge language barriers, calm those who are suffering, and express what words often cannot. When I graduate from college, my goal in setting up my own violin studio will be to teach others about the wonder and joy of music.
As I study Violin Performance and Pedagogy at college this fall, I will be working towards fulfilling my career objective. As I learn about music theory and music history, practice diligently, and improve my own playing and teaching skills, I will be preparing to teach my future students. My goals for attending college are to improve my own playing and to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of music that I can pass on to others. Becoming a violin teacher is my lifelong dream and career objective. Working towards fulfilling this dream is my reason for attending college.