In this conversation, Mak Barton, a high school music teacher and social media influencer, shares her journey into teaching and the impact of social media on her profession. Mak discusses the challenges of engaging students in today's fast-paced digital world, the importance of local involvement in education, and her personal experiences with music as a fundamental part of human connection.
Through humor and insight, Barton emphasizes the need for teachers to adapt and innovate in their teaching methods to foster better relationships with students and enhance their learning experiences. Mak discusses the profound impact of music education on students, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, community, and self-expression.
She shares insights on the rawness of musical expression, the significance of improvisation, and the transformative power of music in helping students connect with their own stories. Mak reflects on the challenges of teaching creativity in a structured environment and the fulfillment she derives from witnessing students discover their passion for music.
Mak advocates for rethinking traditional career paths and highlights the joy of teaching and creating music.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mak Barton
02:57 The Journey into Social Media and Teaching
05:59 Building Connections with Students
09:02 Challenges in Education Today
11:47 Navigating Technology in the Classroom
15:02 The Importance of Local Involvement in Education
17:58 Personal Experiences and the Role of Music
20:58 Reflections on Teaching and Music Education
26:26 The Essence of Storytelling in Music
28:18 The Rawness of Musical Expression
30:05 Exploring Musical Interpretation and Improvisation
31:54 Connecting Music to Personal Stories
34:36 Building Community Through Music Education
36:56 Encouraging Self-Expression in Students
38:20 The Fulfillment of Teaching Music
40:27 The Transformative Power of Music
44:39 Rethinking Career Paths for Students
48:56 Finding Joy in Teaching and Music Creation
