My Introduction

My name is Kristina Marie Galluzzo, I am a twenty two year old teacher candidate who is currently enrolled in the junior intermediate program at Brock University. Since a young age I have always dreamt of one day becoming an educator as I have always held a passion to educate and share with others my desire and love for knowledge. Throughout my academic journey music has become heavily incorporated into my way of living which has allowed me to develop a strong adoration and appreciation for it. Since the age of three I have studied the art of piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music which has greatly impacted the way in which I perceive music and others around me. As a student of music, I have been the opportunity to teach others the practise and theory behind piano which significantly increased my inspiration to educate others.  One  of my greatest pleasures is guiding students on a musical journey and observing how music shapes their way of perceiving the world around them.

Music is an instrument which I have become dependant on for not only entertainment but as a form of escapism during difficult times. When the world around me becomes too much to handle I find myself turning to music for mental and emotional relief.  For me, music is a token of peace and tranquillity, it has a calming attribute which helps to guide me in times of fear and darkness. One of the most difficult times in my life was when my grandfather became terminally ill with lung cancer.  He was diagnosed early on in the summer of 2012 and having to watch his daily battle against this toxic disease was traumatizing for my entire family.  I recall numerous times where I felt that my entire world was collapsing at the palms of my hands and that there was nothing I could do but cry.  During these times of heartache I found myself turning to my piano and allowing the melodic sounds to soothe me and remind me that everything would eventually be ok. One of my favourite memories that my grandfather and I shared was playing the piano for him and my grandmother as they too had a love for music.  The two songs I always played for them were “Youll be in my heart” by Phil Collins and “My Heart will go On” by Celin Dion as the lyrics held great meaning. My grandmother had asked me to play these songs during his funeral procession as we felt it would be a great way to pay tribute to  his memory. While playing these songs I experienced a momentary bliss, the pain and sorrow I was feeling appeared to disappear and instead my mind was consumed with the memories we had shared over the course of the years.

As a current and future educator of music I will continue to share my passion and love for music with my students.  My experience as a piano instructor has taught me that not all students are born with a similar drive to learn music. It becomes my responsibility to light a passion in them and allow them to realize the power which music holds. Learning a musical instrument may appear unappealing, redundant and impossible for many therefore educators must take the time to work together with their students to guide and feed their passion. As an educator I am responsible to show students just how influential music can become in their every day way of living. Studying a musical instrument has inspired me to teach others how magical and influential music can truly be for those who allow it to become a part of their lives.