Teacher Spotlight: Desirae Banks

Meet teacher Desirae Banks! Desirae joined ETM as a music teacher intern at the start of the 2024-2025 school year as a part of our Music Teacher Workforce Development Program. With ETM alumni Marta Siemieniaka as her mentor at P.S. 195, Desirae is now leading her own classrooms as a music teacher at P.S. 130 in the Bronx. Desirae shares with us how she brings her training as a vocalist into the classroom, her experiences supporting students, and her motivations for inspiring them to discover their musical potential.

How do you bring your experiences as a musician into the classroom?

I am a vocalist. I studied voice both in undergrad at Spelman College and graduate school at NYU, and my training has shaped the way I approach teaching music. I learned so much through my studies, not just about vocal technique but also the importance of nurturing a love for music from a young age. For me, much of my passion for music was sparked in my early childhood, and I want my students to experience that same sense of joy and discovery. In my classroom, I aim to create a space that feels inviting and open, where students feel comfortable exploring music vocally and instrumentally. I want them to understand the basics of music and appreciate how vocal and instrumental music are connected. It’s important for me to help them build both technical skills and a lifelong love for music.

What do you love most about teaching music?

What I love most about teaching music is the variety of students who walk into my classroom each day. Every student brings something unique to the table, and I never know exactly what to expect. I could be working with a student who has a deep love for music and is eager to show it, or another who is just beginning to explore their musical abilities. But when I find that moment where I have their full attention, and I can see they’re truly engaging with the lesson and retaining what we’re learning—that’s the most rewarding feeling. It reminds me that no matter the day or lesson, I’m making a positive impact on their musical growth and their confidence.

Since the start of your time teaching with ETM, are there any moments that come to mind that surprised or moved you? 

Since I’m just starting out, I don’t have a lot of standout moments yet, but one experience stands out to me as a huge learning opportunity. I was really struggling with a class of students with disabilities, ages 5-7. I was unsure how to engage them in a way that would allow them to fully enjoy and learn from music class. We tried many different approaches, but it wasn’t until I spoke with the teacher and my supervisors that we found the right fit. Together, we decided to try having the students sit at desks instead of on the floor. This small change made a huge difference in how they were able to focus and participate.

Throughout this process, I had to ask for a lot of guidance, and I’m so grateful for the support I received. My supervisors gave me helpful resources and encouraged me to experiment with different techniques. The teacher’s encouragement to try different things also helped me stay motivated to find what worked best. Now, the students are able to fully enjoy music class, and I can see their growth in learning and engaging with the material. It was a moving experience for me because it reminded me of the power of flexibility, collaboration, and seeking support when needed. This experience really showed me how valuable it is to adjust and try new strategies, especially when working with young children who have unique needs.

What are your thoughts and plans about continuing with this path as a music educator? Are you thinking about seeking certification and pursuing this more fully as a career?

I am deeply committed to teaching music and excited about the journey ahead. I plan to continue developing my skills and seek opportunities to enhance my effectiveness as an educator, with a focus on creating enriching learning experiences for my students. At the moment, I am focused on honing my teaching practice and am open to pursuing further professional qualifications in the future to support my continued growth and career development in music education.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences as a music teacher or your perspective on the importance of music education?

Music education plays a crucial role in students’ overall development, helping to foster creativity, discipline, and collaboration. My experience so far has reinforced the power of music to build confidence and provide students with a voice. I am committed to creating a classroom where every student feels inspired and empowered to explore their musical potential. It’s truly rewarding to witness the growth of students not only as musicians but as individuals.