New Reflection on my development this semester:

1) What facets of your work in this course have helped you examine and/or change
your string playing and/or views of learning-----such as how you practice, your
body use, your 'map of the terrain' of string playing and teaching (that is, how
broad and deep is our professional field?), reflecting together, etc.?
There have been many facets of my work in this course that have helped me examine and
change my string playing and views. Throughout this course, there have been many
assignments that have acted as factors of contribution to my violin studies. Specifically,
the way I practice, engage my body, and use my map of the terrain of string playing and
teaching has been altered and enhanced. In the beginning of the semester, our class
worked with The Musicians Way by Gerald Klickstein intensively. Each chapter had
several pieces of information that became tools for my learning throughout the semester.
For example, chapter 1 provided information about The 5 Practice Zones, chapter 2
discussed Habits of Excellence, chapter 3 talked about the concept of Starting New
Material, chapter 4 Taking Breaks, and chapter 5 Fueling Motivation. These are
only a few examples taken from this book that contributed to my work in the practice
room this semester. Project 4B was another assignment I completed in this course that
has changed my string playing and views of learning. For my project, I focused on bow
division and bow distribution in the Bach Presto Violin Sonata No. 1. This project was
extremely helpful to my practice and studies this semester because I am currently
working on this piece and playing it for Juries during finals week. I was able to take this
piece and transform it into a work of art just by focusing on the bow division, which is a
major component to this piece of music. The last facet of my work in this course that has
helped me examine and change my string playing and views of learning is the DVD we
viewed throughout the semester. We viewed sections such as Balance, Kinesthesia,
Arms, Breathing, Legs, Inclusive Attention, and Mapping the whole. Each of these
segments of the DVD was comprised of ideas that broadened my sense of how I must use
my body when I practice and map the terrain. After working with The Musicians Way,
my project, and the DVD, I feel as though I have all the proper tools, skills, and
techniques necessary to progress as a violinist. I certainly know how to practice properly
and use my body to my advantage when I practice. Every thing I worked on in this course
this semester has added to my development and has changed my string playing, body
movement, and views of learning for the better.
2) At Crane, you are making progress in many areas at the same time. How have
you 'harmonized' (integrated) your work on several of the aspects of being a preprofessional-----such as being a healthy player, a pre-professional teacher, an
ensemble musician, an observer and analyst of student progress, being a
collaborative learner, being attuned to the development of others, plus any other
aspects that are important to you at this time?
(If applicable) in what ways has this course helped you do this? That is, in what
ways have we 'scaffolded' these learning experiences, learned collaboratively,
been more attentive in reflections, etc.

What questions, concerns, or comments do you have about the hand-made nature
of the collegiate educational process? That is, our 3-step process-----of
determining what is important to you, being rigorous in gathering ideas and
making plans, and then evaluating plans---- is ultimately hand-made in the sense
that you, the learner, engage in selecting what to do at each step.
I have harmonized or integrated my work on several aspects of being a pre-professional
by being a healthy player, a pre-professional teacher, an ensemble musician, an observer
and analyst of student progress, a collaborative learner, and being attuned to the
development of others here at Crane this semester. I have worked to become a healthy
player by taking daily breaks as I practice to prevent strain, tension and injury as well as
planning out when I am going to practice throughout the week so I do not over-practice
and disrupt proper body functions and movements. This course specifically has taught me
aspects and attributes attaining to what makes up a pre-professional teacher. In our class
discussions each week, there has always been a topic having to do with pre-professional
music educators. For example, one week we viewed photographs of children holding
their instrument properly vs. wrong and discussed how we would approach their posture
individually if each child were our student. As an ensemble musician, I have learned to
collaborate with others in a large group by blending and observing what is going on
around me at all times. In class, we often work with our table in small groups to discuss
various topics. Through group work and collaborative learning, even on my instrument, I
have learned to listen, be open-minded, and take ideas and good advice from others
whenever I can. I have integrated all of these aspects of being a pre-professional as I
progress and will continue to lengthen each facet as I move to the future.

3) A) What strengths do you bring to your collegiate journeysuch as a background

in jazz, fiddling, electronic instruments, entrepreneurship (gigging, etc.),
leadership, affinity for working with certain age groups, etc.? B) While a preprofessional (that is, at Crane), what do you envision doing to develop your
strengths and 'next strengths (weaker areas that you feel that you want to build)?
Although I have no background in jazz, fiddling, electronic instruments,
entrepreneurship, or gigging, I have had the opportunity to work with several different
age groups throughout high school in the position of a leadership role. Last year, I taught
about 15 students of different age groups varying from 2nd grade up until 11th grade. I was
able to gain experience working with people of different talent and experience so I was
able to get a feel for how my career may play out in the future. Lastly, as a preprofessional here at Crane, I envision myself learning more about teaching various tech
instruments and tools and skills needed to become an educator, and not just a string
player. I feel as though Crane will prepare me for my future to become a professional by
expanding my knowledge about teaching, and enhancing my weaknesses.