In the chaotic world of learning, where everyday is consumed by lesson planning, grading and classroom management, the ILS faculty, much like the students they teach, display a broad range of musical tastes. Their exposure to diverse rhythms and styles can help strengthen an environment of expansion and exploration, which can assist in encouraging students to become more open towards their musical experiences in the future.
The teachers’ personal musical taste is not as isolated from their teaching methods. Many of the teachers share an interest in the same music, and just like students, faculty also has a way of showing a connection through music rather than lesson planning.
Fans, such as Ms. Kayla Gonzalez, English teacher, and Mr, Cotter Lamb, history teacher, find comfort and inspiration in the melodies. They both honor the appreciation towards music, believing it may influence their students’ accuracy as influenced by their skilled teaching.
“Retro music is like a rich conversation without words; it gives you the feeling of emotions, but also gives me motivation to keep going. When I go to the gym, I’m always listening to this kind of music because it brings my energy high and makes me want to keep pushing,” said Ms. Gonzalez.
“When I listen to retro music, it feels like I’m going through history. Retro music is a genre I don’t think I could ever get tired of. I grew up listening to classical music, and have learned to appreciate its meaning,” said Mr. Cotter Lamb.
On the other hand, teachers like Mr. Paul Dean, math teacher, has a passion for today’s hits, but also finds comfort in retro music, which he finds brings cultural richness to his classrooms. In class he enjoys playing Spotify’s mix radio which is a combination of African beats, hip-hop, and rock music, while the students engage in their assignments for the day.
“While my students work on their assignments, I’ve come to a realization that when I hear the music that my students are listening to playing in the background, I learn more about them as a person and what’s to come for the upcoming generation in music. In my free time, I always find myself playing any genre of music, even if I don’t know it. I will say having a daughter in this generation has already given me an idea,” he said.
After speaking to these faculty members, it became apparent that the music they listen to is not solely a matter of taste, but rather a reflection of their own individuality and that of their students. The diversity in their music taste helps tremendously in shaping class dynamics as well as influencing positive student-teacher connections.
