Teacher Feature: Maia Hamann

Classical MPR's Teacher Feature highlights the lives and work of music teachers throughout Minnesota.

Maia Hamann

K-3 Music Teacher

KMS Elementary

Murdock, Minn.

Where did you go to college?

I attended the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University for my BA in music performance. Then, I attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where I have nearly completed a DMA in bassoon performance. I am also currently pursuing a Masters of Education at Augsburg College.

Who or what inspired you to become a music teacher?

There have been many people and experiences in my life that have led me to becoming a music teacher. My parents, both retired elementary teachers, showed me how fulfilling working with young students can be. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Watland, demonstrated daily how music could be integrated into all parts of life and learning, and my third and fourth grade music teacher, Mrs. Dorsey, made music fun and participatory for all of her students (even the shy ones, like me).

Additionally, while pursuing my performance degrees and planning to have a career in orchestral performance, I found myself feeling unfulfilled and concerned about the instability of performing jobs. I wanted more perceivable evidence that my work was positively influencing the lives of others, and I wanted to be able to do something to show society the value of classical music. As soon as I began teaching, I realized that it was the perfect setting for me to work toward both of those goals.

In what ways do you try to encourage your students to appreciate and participate in music?

I teach in a rural community where there are limited opportunities to see or participate in music ensembles outside of school. Therefore, I strive to create a variety of authentic music making experiences in school, such as forming small recorder ensembles to perform for school events, and inviting older students who play instruments to accompany the younger students at concerts. I also invite performers and composers to meet my students whenever possible, so students can learn about a wide variety of ways to participate in music and develop connections with real, live musicians.

Do you participate in music outside the classroom? For example, do you perform with an ensemble, as a soloist, in a band, etc.?

Yes, I believe it is important for me to participate in music making outside of school in order to teach my students by example. I am a bassoonist in the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra, Amadeus Chamber Orchestra in the St. Cloud area, and the Twin Cities Trio.

What's one of the most memorable moments you've had in the classroom (or had while teaching music)?

Every day of teaching is full of memorable, touching, and hilarious moments! Some are music-related, like the musical that my students performed last winter. My mother, a retired elementary teacher, wrote a play based on the ideas of the third graders who would act in it. Through collaboration with the podcast Composer Quest, several composers wrote the songs and instrumental pieces for the musical. It was an amazing opportunity for my students to learn about how the material that they perform is created, and to feel real ownership of their performance.

Other memorable moments have nothing to do with music, but everything to do with the relationships that a teacher develops with students. One of my favorite stories is about the third grade student who came to school with a skinned squirrel that he had shot for me so I could try cooking it!

If you were to help program a day of music at Classical MPR, what would be a piece of music you'd play in the morning? What piece of music would you play in the evening? What is it about these pieces that make them a couple of your favorites?

For the morning, I would choose Andante and Hungarian Rondo by Carl Maria von Weber. I have distinct memories of my mom waking me up early in the morning in high school if there was a bassoon piece playing on MPR, and this was one of the pieces I was woken for. The Andante is melancholy, but with moments of optimism, which matches my morning mood. The playful Hungarian Rondo builds to a flurry of virtuosic excitement that could wake up even a teenager.

In the evening, I would choose Erik Satie's Gnossiennes for piano. The contemplative and emotional melodies paired with simple accompaniment are perfect for reflecting on the day.

Is there a music teacher in your community that the Classical MPR audience should know about? Submit this form to nominate them for our Teacher Feature!

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