Essential Traits of a Music Educator

While I strongly believe that there are a large number of characteristics a music educator should embody, I have tried my best to narrow them down to three key traits. It is important to understand that each trait is complex and overlaps with many important characteristics of teaching, musicianship, and leadership. After considering inspirational readings by Peter Boonshaft and Frank Battisti, my experience teaching, and most importantly my experience as a lifelong student, I have created this list.

I often recall my favorite teachers – those who I consider the best - and consider exactly what they did to provide such amazing inspiration. It was never the material they were presenting, but how they presented it that stuck with me. In fact, two of these inspirational educators taught American History – a subject that I never found as exciting as math or music. What made these teachers so inspirational is the first trait I consider absolutely essential for any music educator – passion and excitement for the subject.

This first trait may seem very straightforward. Many of us choose a career in music because it is what we are most passionate about. However, the best music educators are not disgruntled performers with a fallback plan, or those looking for steady pay and benefits. The best music educators are equally passionate about music and the education thereof. The passionate music educator is a motivator, is inspirational, considers individuals and should always be the most optimistic person in the room. In Peter Boonshaft’s Teaching Music With Purpose “he writes of the seemingly endless list of duties of the music educator, from lesson planning to hall duty, instrument repairs and fundraising. With such a workload, he writes that it is easy to get stressed and burnt-out and to appear that way. He concludes, “… Sometimes we just can’t muster the energy to show our enthusiasm. But we must. At any cost, it must shine through to all.”  I found this statement profound. Ultimately, we cannot expect our students to be inspired by any information if we do not present it with passion and excitement!

The second trait that music educators should possess is an understanding that teaching is learning. Music educators should be proficient on their focus instrument, and should have an ability to accompany, conduct, arrange, and sing. For many, these skills will be very developed upon completion of a college degree. However, for all, there is no end to our development of musicianship and skill sets as educators. Frank Battisti contributes a list of ideas for professional development and personal growth in On Being A Conductor. Performing and attending concerts top his list, and I couldn’t agree more that these activities will keep music educators fresh and inspired. Both he and Boonshaft speak in depth about reflection and self-observation, and how beneficial they can be in our teaching endeavors. Simply put, the minute we stop learning is the minute we stop teaching.

Finally, music educators should have a desire for excellence and a fine appreciation for progress. “Good Enough” is a term that should not exist in a music educator’s vocabulary. Demanding excellence from our students is the best way to show them respect. By doing so, we are displaying our belief in their abilities. What may frustrate or tire a student now, is what will keep us fondly in their memory as they journey through life. No adult will ever look back and thank a teacher who didn’t challenge them - ever! 

An appreciation for progress is what keeps music educators inspired. There are hardly any 5^th graders that will exhibit excellent intonation and tone production. That does not mean that they are not achieving excellence. Music educators must appreciate the progress as much as the accolades.

I am fascinated by music and education. I am inspired, but understand that I will have horrible days teaching – many of them! I hope to consider what I have learned on my journey and promise to maintain passion, strive for excellence, and continue learning - always.