Jarritt Ahmed Sheel

“I would like my students to walk away with deeper practical and philosophical understanding of what it means to teach students about aesthetics, being culturally relevant, being democratic participants, and good citizens—all while using music as the means instead of the ends. I want them to think critically, and to know what critical theory is, about the purpose of how, why, and what they are teaching, as well as the little hidden agendas that can be found in the curriculum. Simply put: to be aware.”

“I would like my students to come away feeling supported during my portion of their learning journey. Because much of my work focuses on critical thinking and the application of critical theory in my courses, I would like my students to walk away knowing that engaging with diverse perspectives is important for developing deeper understanding and ultimately the creation of a good teaching philosophy and practices.” 

“I’ve spent a lot of time working in a huge variety of learning and performing communities, and these very diverse experiences have helped me develop as a teaching artist and pedagogue. Those experiences helped me understand that true teaching shouldn’t always be rigid, but is flexible, and that knowledge as well as understanding is always in the making—never finished.”

“I have toured with an internationally renowned Grammy Award–winning artist and worked as a teaching artist in NYC. I have also led several small performing groups, recorded extensively, and taught K–12 instrumental music. All of these experiences have taught me that the progress of the music cannot supersede the development of the artist and the individuals tasked with its (re)production. As an artist, I am constantly reminded that there is no performance without an audience. I am also reminded that the music suffers without the progress of the player. With this in mind, in my role as teacher I am charged with facilitating the progression and development of my students, ultimately fostering human flourishing. Moreover, my professional background has taught me to see more than a collection of notes on a page, hear more than the errors, and feel more than the dynamics of the piece. My past has allowed me to see beyond what I once thought was the best of the art form, and to realize that music is truly a wonderful, diverse mode of expression. In my teaching, this means that I try to help students embrace and celebrate difference, challenging them to see what could be instead of what is.”