“What influenced you to pursue a career in music?” a recent MENC Collegiate poll asked. Over half of the responders credited their former teachers with influencing them to study music education. Other strong influences were love of music and for students, and family influences growing up. Here are some of the comments: 

Teacher Influences

• Previous teachers/educators who allowed me to have hands-on experiences at a young age and sparked my passion for teaching from the beginning.
• Excellent music directors in high school and now in college.
• Incredible teachers who opened my eyes to the joy that music can bring and encouraged me to pursue it. I discovered an intense love for music as a result of their guidance, and I can’t imagine my life without music in it every day.

Love of Music and for Students

• My love for music and seeing students succeed and enjoy what they’re doing. Also, the desire to use my God-given talents to influence the lives of young people.
• A love of the power of music to move the emotions and change perspectives
• A great love for music that I want to share with others in hopes that it will enrich their lives as it did mine.
• My love of music and the enjoyment of helping others cultivate their love of playing music.

Family Influence

• My mother plays piano and sings; my father plays guitar and sings; my sister plays violin and sings. I’ve been surrounded by music all my life.
• My mother was a music teacher and that got me started. Honestly though, student teaching really hit home for me. I was excited to work with my students, excited to see what they could learn today. It was then that I realized that I really wanted to be a music teacher. A little late, but better than never.
• My grandfather, who was a teacher and music lover, as well as many supportive music teachers throughout my life.
   

What influenced you to student music education? Share your comments on the Future Teacher forum.

Resources:

Colleen M. Conway (Ed.), Great Beginnings for Music Teachers (MENC, 2003)
Teacher Success Kit: How to Succeed in Music Education (Interactive CD, MENC)
Spotlight on Transition to Teaching Music (MENC, 2004)
7 Qualities of Great Music Educators
Is Teaching Music For Me? Part 1

--Shauna Leavitt, June 17, 2009, © MENC: The National Association of Music Education