Box 2004
College of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN 56374
August 26, 2004

Sister Ann Marie Biermaier, OSB
Chair, Education Department
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

Dear Sister Ann  Marie,

I am writing to request admission to the Secondary/K-12 Education Minor. I am currently a sophomore and am majoring in Music Education (both Instrumental and Choral).

Music is my life. It always has been. In fact, my grandmother says that I was born singing. My mom says that’s only a bit of an exaggeration! Without music, I wouldn’t be who I am. Therefore, I can’t imagine having a career that doesn’t involve music in some way.

However, in spite of my passion for music, I didn’t always want to teach it. Rather, throughout elementary school and even during junior high, I wanted to be a professional musician and play in an orchestra. Though I still like the idea of performing, I now realize it is unlikely that I’ll be able to make a living as a musician.

My interest in teaching music began in junior high school when I was asked to give piano lessons to our seven-year-old neighbor. I didn't think I would like giving lessons. However, I ended up loving it and eventually worked up to a total of nine piano students during my senior year in high school. I still have three piano students and travel home on weekends to teach them.

In addition to the piano, I also play the viola. I am currently a member of the String Quartet as well as the CSB/SJU Chamber Choir.

My passion for teaching grew throughout my high school years, largely because of the wonderful music teachers at my school. My vocal music teacher, Janet Anderson, was particularly inspiring. Not only was she my favorite teacher, but I was fortunate enough to get to spend a week in her classroom last spring as part of my Ed 108 class. I enjoyed every minute of that week and came away completely sure that I wanted to teach.

During the week I spent with Ms. Anderson, I learned that I relate well to junior high and high school students and that I have an easy time developing a rapport with them. This personal quality as well as my organization, enthusiasm, and passion for music will serve me well in my future teaching career.

I have not had any jobs that directly relate to teaching. However, I have worked as a waitress and for the last three summers as a sales associate at a retail clothing store. All of my personnel evaluations have been very positive and have cited strengths in relating to customers and coworkers.

In conclusion, I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you and further discuss my future teaching career. Should you have any questions regarding my application, please contact me by phone (3456) or email (ktwelve@csbsju.edu).

Sincerely,

Kaye Twelve