Each semester we spotlight our student teachers in the field and give them a chance to share their experiences. Today we spotlight percussionist Tyler Spears who is currently teaching in Yellow Springs in the band and orchestra program.... My name is Tyler Spears and I am a senior music education major at Wright State University. My final field placement is at Mills Lawn Elementary and Yellow Springs High School teaching 5th-12th grade band and orchestra with my CT Mr. Brian Mayer. My experience has been very rewarding. I have been able to introduce new instruments to eager fifth graders as well as conduct middle school and high school concerts. The community and students in Yellow Springs are very supportive of the music program and it’s great to be able to work in such a positive environment. Throughout the semester I have gained more and more experience and confidence to help achieve being better teacher. When it comes to looking for a job, I can now say I have experience teaching strings. Along with string pedagogy, I have also gained more comfort working with winds. Being a percussionist, I am glad that I was paired with such great brass player for a CT. Mr. Mayer has helped me immensely with instrument pedagogy. He is also a certified instrument repair tech which comes very much in handy. Because of his knowledge of all the instruments, my fingerings and minor repair skills have gotten much better. I couldn’t have asked for a better placement and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 02:48:17 +0000