Classical MPR's new Teacher Feature highlights the lives and work of music teachers throughout Minnesota.
Rikka Dick
Elementary Music Specialist
Pine Island Public School
Pine Island, Minn.
Who or what inspired you to become a music teacher?
Music has always been a part of my life. I started piano lessons as a third grader and continued through college. I was unsure about my major entering college, but knew I wanted to participate in music at the college level, so I started my minor, played in the band and continued my piano lessons. By my second year, I had declared my Music Major and never looked back!
Speaking of that, where did you go to college?
I hold a bachelor of science degree in K-12 Music Education from North Dakota State University.
Is piano your primary instrument?
Yes, piano is my primary instrument, followed by oboe.
Which grade levels and classes do you teach?
Currently my teaching assignment includes General Music for grades 1-5 and band lessons for students in grades 6-7.
In what ways do you try to encourage your students to appreciate and participate in music?
"Music For All" is the motto of the Music Department in Pine Island. We pride ourselves in developing musically literate young musicians. Our district-wide curriculum follows the Kodály philosophy, with which we have had great success.
My classroom is a busy place — teaching children to find their singing voice, match pitch, keep a steady beat and begin reading music. I have the responsibility of laying the groundwork. Classes are filled with folk songs, dancing, instrument playing and music literacy. The students are happy to participate, because it is fun! When we can play and learn at the same time, the students will come back wanting to learn more. I know I have done my job when a class is over and a student replies, "We're done already? That felt like 5 minutes!"
The fruits of my labor really show as students continue into band, choir and orchestra. Because we are a small rural school, I am able to follow the musical careers of our students. I am proud of the number of students who continue through high school and on into college.
If you were to help program a day of music at Classical MPR, what's a piece of music you would play in the morning, and what's one you would play in the evening?
For morning, "I Got Rhythm" piano solo by George Gershwin. This piece just makes me smile and would be a great way to start the day!
In the evening, I'd suggest "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair" from Claude Debussy's Preludes. It has always been a favorite. The piece is simply beautiful and was my introduction to Debussy on the piano.
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