Standard I: professional preparation.

I have the privilege of sharing a piano studio with an exceptionally well-trained piano teacher. Veronika Harms is educated in piano, violin and voice. She has a master of music degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts. She studied piano in Salzburg, Austria, for a year at the Mozarteum and has given concerts in Germany, Mexico, Belize, Canada and the United States.

In the summer of 2000, Veronika implemented a music program for YWCA's summer camp for underprivileged children in Lubbock, Texas. Other musical training includes Musikgarten certification. She is a popular adjudicator and has served as pianist for several churches. She enjoys accompanying choirs and orchestras and performing for various social events.

Now in her tenth year of teaching piano, Veronika exemplifies the Professional Certification Teaching Standards. Standard I embodies "What a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) Should Know." Standards II-V embody "What a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music Should Be Able to Do." Veronika's professional training and acquired body of knowledge meet the requirements for fulfilling Standard I: STANDARD I: Professional Preparation

 
   A. Knowing and Performing Music 
   Competent music teachers possess 
   a significant understanding 
   of and facility on their performing 
   instrument(s). They demonstrate 
   a specialized knowledge in 
   a performance area as they provide 
   students with comprehensive, 
   sequential instruction. They 
   have substantial knowledge of 
   music theory, music history/literature 
   and pedagogy/teacher 
   education. 
 
   B. Knowing and Understanding 
   Students 
 
   Competent music teachers have 
   knowledge and understanding of 
   students' physical, social and 
   cognitive growth and their past 
   musical experiences. They assimilate 
   this knowledge to develop a 
   course of study and to prepare 
   instruction that meets the needs 
   of each student while cultivating 
   positive and productive 
   relationships. 

Observing Veronika's teaching is an inspiration and a joy. Each day she arrives with a plan for each student's lesson. She understands each student's weaknesses and strengths and is an outstanding teacher with students of all ages and levels. Each lesson incorporates theory, improvisation ...