Professional Development Plan

•    Composing and Arranging music within specific guidelines
o    I will observe how my theory teachers teach and use them as role models to teach my future students.
o    I will look over previous high school theory work sheets to base my own teaching activities on.
o    I will take in all kinds of methods, so I can adapt to all types of students’ teaching needs.

•    Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments
o    I will observe my old middle school’s jazz band to see how improvising is taught.
o    I will observe how other students in my sight singing class improvise to learn from their examples.
o    I will listen to many different instrumental and vocal improvisation recordings for good models.
o    I will practice improvisation on my own instrument and vocally.

•    Understanding relationships between music, the arts, and other disciplines outside the arts.
o    I will take a tap class next semester, which will expose my to the rhythmic relationship between music and dance.
o    I will observe my sister’s dance classes to see the relationship between movement and music.
o    I will see a ballet in the city to hear classical music expressed through movement.
o    By seeing these things, I will be able to choreograph for a choir or musical, or learn movements and rhythms to teach my future students to try.

•    Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
o    I will take music history to learn about composers, and the importance of music to cultures throughout the years to historical events and time periods.
o    When I play a piece in an ensemble or a solo, I will research the history of it on my own.
o    I will study abroad (Salzburg or Vienna) to be exposed to different cultures’ music.
o    I will see an opera to teach me about a historical time period and other languages.
o    I will be able to show my students the importance of music since the beginning of time because I will have experienced many opportunities first hand.



Personal Goals


I.    I will be more out going and talkative in interviews, formal discussions with professionals, and speaking in front of large groups. This will prepare me for job interviews in my future, and to stand up in front of a group of students and teach with confidence. I will think about what I want to day before I speak and not just give short answers. I will think of the questions they might ask me, and also possible questions that I can ask the interviewers. I will be more assertive and speak louder in front of large groups of people. I will practice interviews and speaking in front of people with friends and teachers.


II.    I will overcome my nerves, especially my performance anxiety. It is important for a teacher to perform confidently. I will play in common hours, church, and in front of anyone willing to listen. I will also practice to keep going when I make a mistake and try not to get flustered. I will not let mistakes influence future performances either.