MUSC 373 Journal 1

Journal 1
My name is Ellen Potnick. I have been involved with music since I can remember. When I was really young, my mom would have to play music for me to fall asleep during nap and at night time.

I started playing the piano when I was six years old and played for 11 years. I also played the clarinet for six years.

During middle school, I participated in band and chorus and also sang in my church choir. In 7th grade, I played a part in a musical at school.

During my freshman year of high school, I participated in symphonic band and also played in the marching band. Throughout my sophomore through senior year of high school, I played the piano for church services. During this time, I also accompanied the children’s choir every Sunday. This was a very awesome and rewarding experience. During my junior and senior year, I taught piano lessons. I absolutely loved doing this. From the time I started teaching to the time that I had to leave for college, I saw a tremendous improvement in my students.
Even though I do not take private lessons for piano, I really miss it. Right now I am too busy to juggle school, my sorority, and playing the piano. However, I still love music. I listen to my ipod as much as I can. I love Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, the Fray, Coldplay, Britney Spears, and pretty much anything! Also, anytime I drive in my car, I have to listen to music. Music plays a very important role in my life.

I think the activities that we do in class are very interesting. I love how everyone participates in class and that we are up and moving around the room. It is such a nice break from the boring lectures! I really like how you sing each morning to get the class warmed up. The activity on Wed, Jan. 14 was an excellent way to learn student’s names. This allows students to have the attention focused on him/her and they are then able to announce their name to the class. It is very important to children that the teacher and their classmates know their name. They are proud to announce their name to the class, and when people know their name, they are very happy! By singing clever rhymes, students are able to remember information easier.

Overall, I am very excited to be in this class and so far it has been an excellent experience.