From my experiences as a student and teacher, I recognize that teaching and learning both evolve over time. Open-minded, receptive teaching is the result of open-minded, receptive learning. An essential characteristic of effective teaching is the ability to mobilize one’s natural willingness and desire to learn; combining innate discerning faculties with training. This is achieved through willingness and discipline that allows for one’s abilities to blossom. I believe a teacher is responsible to clearly supply raw information and strategies for obtaining more information to the student, with the student being responsible to assimilate and apply the teaching.
Ideally, my teaching style implements the heuristic approach. As the Ancient Greek term for “discovery” [εὕρεσις (heuresis)] implies, my conception of teaching emphasizes self-discovery. Nonetheless, as a mentor, I try to recognize and adjust to the diverse needs of individual students, and sometimes heuresis does not work, and a more strictly guided approach is preferable. In music, the discovery process is punctuated through time consuming practice, experimentation, and discussion. I believe in a perennialist system, where basic principles take precedence. Students can individually realize underlying concepts, and then build essential skills in their field of study while keeping those ideas in mind.
Further, my teaching underscores the continuing efforts to break new ground in sound and composition with the ultimate objective of praising the Almighty God that created us. This is achieved through resource development, which promotes a collaborative environment that allows students to learn and implement the necessary skills for a professional setting.
We are living in one of the most exciting, perplexing, and innovative periods in human history, with regard to music technology. Practically speaking, in an age when sound quality is becoming increasingly important, the demands on musicians to present high quality audio for audition tapes and ethnomusicologists to present clearer field recordings—to cite two examples—is apparent. Beyond composition, I take into consideration the concerns of orchestral and jazz musicians, musicologists, recording artists, church musicians, and those who wish to pursue commercial music, gaming, and film. My goal is to provide students with access to expert instruction, recording facilities, and the necessary instruments to practice a thorough assemblage of recording techniques, and most importantly, to provide Godly fellowship. Students can utilize tools and strategies for sound editing and video software to give them a competitive edge. A curriculum that includes electronic music ensembles can assist students in collaborative innovation and realizing the enormous potential for music in the information age.
In my classes, students can expect an instructor who is interactive and engaging in the classroom. Always striving for a productive classroom atmosphere, I balance discourse with a hands-on approach; combining collaborative projects with all-inclusive, lively class discussions to develop fresh ideas, positive relationships, mutual respect for a diversity of opinions, and communication skills. Further, I demonstrate concepts through performance (e.g., trombone, piano, singing, live diffusion, etc.) and encourage student performances.
Ultimately, I believe both teaching and learning are deeply connected through a shared experience. Encouraging self-discovery and emphasizing fundamental principles that give a basis for indispensable skills through critique and inquiry are the guiding principles of my teaching, under the authority of the Almighty God who created us and allows us to make such pursuits. I am an advocate of incorporating music technology into the curriculum while providing interactive and flexible methods in order for today’s students to excel in tomorrow’s music.
INVITED GUESTS IN MY HUMANITIES APPRECIATION CLASS
(HUM 203 at Northwest Suburban College)
Printmaker and poet MaryAnn L. Miller delivered an enlightening and educational presentation for my Humanities Appreciation class on September 13, 2016. Miller read from her book of poems “Locus Mentis” and presented the work “FUBAR” that was created in collaboration with poet J.C. Todd. Miller also discussed her most recent work in progress at Ragdale, an artist retreat in Lake Forest, IL.
Known for her unique and intriguing improvisations, I was thrilled to welcome dancer Jessica Cornish to campus for a performance and discussion of her work during class on October 11, 2016. HUM 203 was delighted to welcome some of the dental assistant class along with other faculty for the fantastic performance Cornish delivered in the auditorium.
I was honored to have Master Patent Agent Kader S. Gacem join my class for a seminar on intellectual property on October 18, 2016. Through this informative presentation we learned how the patent laws in the U.S. have recently changed, gained a fundamental understanding of the importance of patent law, and learned of other significant legal distinctions, such as the difference between an inventor and and author.
I was thrilled to welcome Barry R. Morse and Shu-Cheng Allen Wu (the Wu-Morse Duo) to my class on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. The Duo performed works for theremin including standard theremin repertoire by Puccini and Rachmaninoff, as well as an improvisation for three theremins and an original composition for theremin and live computer processing. Following the performance students were invited to explore these unique instruments. Finally, the duo delivered an educational presentation and answered questions. We were happy to have some of the dental assistant and medical assistant class join us for this special presentation.
I welcomed the mayor of Oak Park, Anan Abu-Taleb, to my class on December 6, 2016. Other members of the community joined our class as Mayor Abu-Taleb delivered an emotional and touching speech regarding the situation in Palestine, specifically Gaza. Other topics discussed were recent developments in American politics, Islamophobia, and how to deal with the negative portrayal of minority groups in the media. The community was thankful to have had this enlightening, thought provoking, and inspiring discussion.
