Be the best musician you can be.

Your mastery of your voice or instrument will aid you in teaching musical concepts, visualizing ideal sound images, and providing a positive role model for your students.

Observe masterful teachers.

By watching and analyzing experienced teachers, we open ourselves up to a whole world of possibilities. Ever wonder how to manage a classroom full of wild seventh grade students? Watch someone who knows how! Take the time to observe not only teachers in your field, but masterful teachers of any subject.

Take the opportunity to teach in many different settings.

Even if you have wanted to be a high school choir teacher since the moment you entered high school choir, learn how to teach music at every level. Being an effective music teacher requires you to be knowledgeable in teaching the fundamentals of your craft. Take time to teach in a large suburban school system, a small rural school, a diverse school, and learn about the advantages that each has to offer.

Be assertive, yet act with grace and humility.

Many preservice teachers act overconfident due to their experiences as students, rather than teachers. Be confident in your preparation, but always be open to others' ideas and opinions.

Learn to listen- in both the musical and the interpersonal sense.

Opening your ears to the world around you will allow you to be both a better conductor and teacher. Hear vivid, beautiful tones in the score before you hear them in the air. Listen to the needs of those around you.

Develop your own philosophy about teaching, music, and teaching music.

Know why you do what you do. Be an advocate of music education for all students regardless of background, socioeconomic factors, and behavioral issues. Be passionate and knowledgeable. Encourage and demonstrate lifelong learning.

Find balance in your life.

Spend time with family and friends, explore your faith, find a new (nonmusical) hobby. Your passion for music education will only be enriched by your ability to relate it to other aspects of humanity.

Ask for help.

Connect with other teachers and friends who can help assist you. Build strong relationships with your colleagues- asking for help demonstrates humility as well as the desire to improve yourself.

Be positive.

Look for the best in yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Encourage others with sincerity.

Take time to reflect.

At the end of your undergraduate experience, you may not be able to remember all of the bassoon fingerings or so-and-so's theory of development. Take time to reflect on what is important to you and your future students. Develop a plan for continuing your own education as you begin to teach others. Learn to love learning.