My Experience with ArtistCorps

Author: Josie Greenwald

I currently teach cello at Wiley Middle School, Paisley I.B. Middle School, and Diggs-Latham Elementary School. Before serving with ArtistCorps, my experience had been teaching students only in one-on-one lessons. In my current service, I've been teaching group lessons and that has greatly impacted how I teach private lessons in addition to how I interact with groups of kids.

At first, I was very overwhelmed, but once I got into the classroom I felt a sense of nostalgia and self-assurance. Being the "adult in the room" is a great responsibility that I take very seriously. Growing up, my teachers had a powerful influence on me so I always strive to create an environment that fosters growth. Watching the kids improve over the past few months has been eye opening. Many of them look forward to our time together and are very excited to learn more and work with me. It is inspiring to see each small accomplishment the kids make, from being able to hold a bow to preparing music for a concert.

Building a good relationship with every student has not been easy, but the work has paid off immensely. Getting to know the students reminds me to never assume anything and always make the kids feel like they are heard.

Three of my students at Wiley Middle School have progressed so much that they made All-County Orchestra. I always let the students know that I am proud of their progress and that they have the ability to perform at a high level no matter where they started. Many students ask how I got to where I am now and I explain that the hard work and dedication needed for success in music is also needed for any subject in which students want to succeed. My service with ArtistCorps has helped me grow as a person because I see that I can have a positive impact on many students who may not have someone looking out for or believing in them.