Teacher Feature: Hanako Sawada

• Hanako Sawada
• Posted 7/16/21
• 0 comments

Get to know our authors.  In our  ”Teacher Feature,” you will not only learn about our contributors’ professional endeavors but also get to know them as humans  too.  Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States. 

Hanako Sawada is an international music educator who is continuously questioning and exploring creative learning in and through the arts. She received her B.M. Music Education and Performance from the University of Miami Frost School of Music, and she received her Ed.M. Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has taught maker-oriented, inquiry-based, and Orff-inspired elementary and secondary general music classes and interdisciplinary courses. Her research interests include innovative, interdisciplinary, and equitable practices in developing artistic thinking. Currently, she works in Singapore as an elementary music teacher, and she continues to build on her experiences as a music administrator, teacher coach, researcher, and curriculum designer.  

Some interesting facts we learned about Hanako Sawada…

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I grew up in Hawaii and Japan for my K-12 education. Both in and outside of school, I was always encouraged to make lots of music. I just loved my music classes and teachers growing up! As I started my studies as a performance and music education major, I was pleasantly surprised by the intricate wows and lifelong wonders of music (and arts) education.   

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

A wide range of “teachers” – from my parents to formal educators in schools – have definitely inspired me to enter and stay in education. Each of them lived their calling, trusted me in new adventures, and guided my growth as an educator.

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I have been fortunate to have (and continue to be inspired by) giving mentors, colleagues, and students throughout this learning journey. Learning together – rather than competing to be “better” than others or safeguarding what has sparked learning – is our responsibility as educators, as we strive towards an inclusive musical community providing equitable access to relevant practices. Sharing and community are at the heart of what we try to inspire within our classrooms and foundational in becoming better together as a global community of educators. 

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

My favorite music teaching moments are when my students ask rich questions and when they imagine beyond my anticipation. Also, the golden silence of inspiration right after we perform a piece as one is priceless, too! 

What has been the biggest surprise/revelation about being a music teacher?  

There are definitely wonderful “tried and true” ways of teaching music that I regularly utilize, but there are so many other ways to continue to reimagine music education and our musical experiences in our lives! 

How do you deal with stress?  

Breathing (especially because of my trombone playing and singing background)! I also feel better after a good night’s sleep, a tasty meal in good company, and immersing myself in the arts (whether music or otherwise). 

Fun Facts About Hanoko

What is your favorite food?  

I love all kinds of food, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to decide upon living in multiple countries! I continue to enjoy a variety of local fruits in each place I’ve lived. 

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

I love listening to a wide variety of music, and there is so much (too much) to aurally enjoy in a lifetime! (Currently, I am listening to multi-instrumentalists like Jacob Collier and Hermeto Pascoal, as well as multi-genre works by collectives like Snarky Puppy and The Silk Road Ensemble.) 

What is your favorite school appropriate beverage – are you a cola or coffee drinker?  

Iced coffee or oat latte, hot tea, and sparkling water with citrus are my go-to drinks. 

What is your favorite book?  

I can’t decide! Each book speaks to me in different ways. I enjoy children’s books to see through the eyes of our students.) 

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?  

I would never want to be a superhero, even if I had the chance! There are so many ways to quietly be a hero in our everyday lives using everyday strengths.