AIMÉE SWANSON '08

Aimée received a B.S. in Music Education from Edgewood College in 2008.

WHAT I'M DOING NOW

I am a teacher at Lake Geneva (WI) Middle School. I have four choirs as well as general music classes (including music composition, guitar, and world drumming). We also study Huapango, a folk-dance style that I studied in the Querétaro region of Mexico while I was an Edgewood College student on a Human Issues trip.

I absolutely love my job. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the difference music has made in a student’s life. Outside school I continue my passion for music education. I have private piano and voice students, and am on the state board for music education as a co-chair for the Listening Project committee.

DECIDING TO BECOME A MUSIC EDUCATION MAJOR

Music has always been an extremely important part of my life. I also knew early on that I needed to serve others, particularly children. In high school, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to teach Spanish, Science, or Music, since all three interested me. One thing was clear though: I was destined to be a teacher. When my high school band teacher started having me take on lots of responsibilities in the program, I realized my life wouldn’t be complete unless I was involved in music-making every day.

Music and education classes at Edgewood confirmed my choice of music education, and developed my passion of bringing the joy and beauty of music to others.

EDGEWOOD EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE HELPED ME SINCE GRADUATION

All of my coursework and experiences at Edgewood have shown me the importance of living the Dominican values. I constantly reflect on how I am living out the values of truth, community, justice, partnership, and compassion in my classroom. Music has helped strengthen the community atmosphere both in my classrooms and in our broader community. In striving to live out these values, one can have a happy, satisfying life and create a better world.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME BOTH AT EDGEWOOD AND OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The Music and Education professors are phenomenal. The more I asked, the more they shared. My best advice to students is to be in charge of your own education. Put in lots of time and energy, continue to ask questions, seek teaching opportunities—and you will leave Edgewood extremely prepared for whatever the world gives you. Networking is very important for college students and professionals. It will provide moral support, new lesson ideas, and new opportunities to grow as a musician and educator. Join the National Association for Music Education’s collegiate chapter (CNAfME); attend the Wisconsin Music Education Association’s State Convention.

With a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and the ability to live my passion, I am one VERY happy woman.

“I absolutely love my job. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the difference music has made in a student’s life.”AIMÉE SWANSON