This illustration tells a story about my journey as a person and music educator. Follow along with the dialogue written below:
1. Takes piano lessons at mother’s friend’s house. Performs piano pieces in front of his elementary school music class. These experiences inspire his passion for music performance.
2. Sings solo pieces at elementary school concerts. In addition to involvement in choirs, encouragement from music teachers allows him to gain more musical confidence.
3. Bullying by peers in school causes him to be depressed. Piano lessons were impossible to focus on due to this.
4. Starts playing brass instruments (e.g. trombone, french horn) in middle school. Meets several new music teachers that re-inspire his passion for music. Interest developed in compositional and improvisational practices. Music teacher encourages him to audition for an arts high school.
5. Admitted to and attends Mayfield Secondary School, the arts high school, for french horn performance. Mental health and confidence completely restored due to the more accepting, inclusive social environment. Forms lifelong friendships. Realizes how integral music is in his life; he decides he wants to teach, compose, and play music for the rest of his life. Recognized as the most pivotal moment in Tyler’s life as an educator, musician, and person.
6. Starts taking piano lessons with the same teacher in order to take Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Begins directing a choir at his local church. Music teaching and piano skills further developed through both activities.
7. Had a couple of original compositions performed at school concerts. Strong passion for composition flourished over this time period.
8. Auditions for music at select universities. Admitted to and attends Western University for the Bachelor of Music program.
9. Through classes geared towards his interests and challenging ensemble repertoire, he continues to grow as a musician, student, educator, and person.