While College of Music students and faculty work together remotely to complete their studies, we feel it is important during these trying times to be reminded of the power of music, outreach, and innovation. It is in this spirit that we continue to share our stories.

Jillian Brennan considers herself organized and “type A.” She has a plan for what she wants to do and a plan for how to do it. But as a fledgling music teacher, Brennan values how being a Music Education major allows her to build flexibility into all her well-laid plans. 

The MSU senior is leveraging on-campus opportunities to get the experience she’ll need to teach music to elementary-age kids. Since September 2019, Brennan has interned at the Community Music School (CMS) in East Lansing where she helps lead a choir of 7- to 9-year-olds under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Music Education Karen Salvador.

“I’m learning that you have to do a lot of thinking on your feet,” said Brennan. “Sometimes you get to rehearsal and kids are in a different mood than you planned for. You have to adjust so they can learn most effectively.”

Understanding classroom management, said Salvador, is essential to future teachers, and best learned in a real-life educational setting. Brennan is among students who are augmenting their studies through work that complements their career goals. Many of those jobs are on campus or related to MSU initiatives, and arranged through the Music Education area. 

“You can talk about something in class, but actually seeing or working a situation is invaluable,” said Salvador. “With classroom management, for instance, we talk about what you can do to set up a positive environment, but having the actual chance to do that is critically important.” 

Learning the difference

Brennan agreed that being in front of a group of kids is vastly different than reading about it in a book. For Brennan, conducting a choir and receiving feedback from Salvador has solidified her passion to teach, and helped prepare her for the day she’ll lead a group of kids on her own.

“The experience has really shown me the importance of getting to know kids on an individual level instead of just the class as a whole,” she said. “If you get to know kids one-on-one you’ll teach better, and they’ll get a more meaningful experience from what you’ve taught.”

Music Education junior Katie Hill discovered opportunities through early childhood music courses taught at CMS. Last fall, she assisted with music classes for infants; this spring, she’s broadened the experience to teach multiple sections for newborns through pre-K.

“Working in classrooms has really helped me put my personality into teaching and to find out what works,” Hill said. “The guidance I’ve received through MSU has shown me how to structure a lesson plan, teach and write my own songs for kids.”

Hill also helps with a CMS outreach class at the Capital Area District Library on Lansing’s South Side. Alongside doctoral student Rachel Grimsby, Hill co-facilitates class once-a-week for children ranging in age from 1 to 5; many are from low-income or at-risk families.

Both experiences, Hill said, are in supportive environments and prepare her for the time when she’ll lead classrooms on her own. The experiences, too, reinforce her commitment to making music education available to all children, regardless of where they live or go to school.

“Lots of times, music programs are seen as luxuries,” she said. “I see them as a necessity that’s critical to child development. Music education is similar to reading and writing, and it’s important to provide opportunities to kids who might not have access otherwise.”

Promoting access

Coty Raven Morris also believes that music is key to K-12 learning, and sought out opportunities through MSU to strengthen her teaching skills. A second year master’s student in choral conducting, Morris currently directs outreach choirs at two elementary schools in Waverly Community Schools.. These outreach programs compliment the strong elementary music education offered by Waverly Community Schools. 

Morris, a certified teacher from Texas, said her personal experiences motivate her to promote choral opportunities for children as part of her master’s studies. Music, she said, filled a gap during a time when she was extremely vulnerable. 

“I love music education and music so much. It saved me during times when I was actually homeless and without parents,” she said. “When I teach kids from all socioeconomic groups and ethnicities, I share my story and all I’ve overcome. Sharing your passion for something allows you to connect at some level. That’s what music is all about: It’s community, it’s kinship, it’s fellowship, it’s magic.”

Salvador and other Music Education faculty are continually working to find field work for interested students like Brennan, Hill and Morris. Field opportunities, she said, help students define and shape their careers, build professional networks, and demonstrate the “Spartans Will” to venture beyond the classroom and give back to communities.

“When people welcome these amazing students into their classrooms, they get to see the quality of students we’ve attracted and are sending out into the world,” Salvador said. “It’s a win-win."