What makes you #morethanamusicteacher? In this blog series inspired by Franklin Willis’ Book, More Than A Music Teacher, we invited teachers around the world to share their stories. Today, we’ll hear from David Russell Getz and Anna Mounts. Read on as we celebrate the incredible changemakers in our profession of music education.

Meet David Russell Getz, #morethanamusicteacher

David Getz

Tell us your story. How did you become a music teacher?

I decided early in high school that I wanted to be a musician, but even up until my senior year I was torn between Music Performance, Composition, or Education. I ultimately chose Music Ed. because I couldn’t give up my love of being a conductor someday. 11 years later, I’m so glad I made that decision, and I still get to perform and compose on the side, so it’s all worked out!

Tell us about teachers that influenced you. What was so impactful about their teaching?

I had incredible music mentors along the way that influenced my love of teaching. First and foremost was my father, Mark Getz, who showed me how the power of storytelling can be harnessed as an amazing communication and pedagogical tool. Pete Martin was my orchestra teacher from grades 6-12, and, for the past 11 years, my co-worker at Morton High School. I have learned so much about motivating and encouraging young students from Pete, and it’s an honor to work with the person who molded my early love for conducting. Lastly, in eighth grade, I took lessons from an 88-year old Hungarian gentlemen, Elmer Szeppesy. Mr. Szeppesy instilled in me the love for setting and meeting high goals. He also taught me the Hungarian word for pumpkin head: “tökfej!” I may have heard that word a lot during my lessons.

What does your teaching life look like now? What do you teach? Where do you teach?

I teach Orchestra at Morton High School in Morton, IL, a small town just outside of Peoria in the middle of the state. I assist in the middle school program, grades 6-8, direct two ensembles at the high school, and teach AP Music Theory and an after-school composition club called The Composers’ Guild. I also coached Cross Country from 2012-2021. Depending on the day, I often can’t tell if I love sports or music more.

What do you love to do outside of teaching? What passions/hobbies/interests do you have?

I am a die-hard sports fan, though, based on my favorite sports teams, you would have no idea where I live (Go Packers, Braves, and Bulls!). I am absolutely obsessed with the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament (aka ‘March Madness’), and I have way too many historical baseball statistics records memorized. Aside from sports, I love anything to do with the outdoors. Whether it’s camping, hiking, kayaking, or running, I love being outside.
I’ve recently become obsessed with Google Sheets and am currently trying to figure out how to automate practically every aspect of my grading/organizing/planning teacher life. Most importantly, I love my family. My wife, Lauren, and I have been married since 2014. We have two foster-girls (twin 3-year-olds) and a new baby.

Why are you #morethanamusicteacher?

I try to instill creativity into every aspect of my life. Whether it is bringing ideas from the coaching world into the classroom, going all-in on crazy, elaborate concert experiences, or making a new Google Slides show with a fresh template design and font choices every quarter for my classroom, I want my students to see me taking creative, innovative approaches to every part of my life. Hopefully, they’ll be inspired to do the same.

Meet Anna Mounts #morethanamusicteacher

Anna Mounts

Tell us your story. How did you become a music teacher?

My journey to becoming a music teacher stayed in high school when a family at church asked if I would give their daughter piano lessons. I didn’t think I could but my piano teacher gave me the tools I needed and pushed me into something that I thought was scary but turned out to be very rewarding. I was homeschooled K-12 but accompanied my friends at solo/ensemble and played in a few pits for the high school musicals. I knew going into college I would teach but wasn’t sure if it would be in a private studio or a public school. This is now my 12th year teaching and what a journey it has been! I’ve even taught in a resource room when I moved to a small town and there was no music opening. I feel that my unique perspective of never being in public education formally in my early years has allowed me to listen to the school communities I’m in and what they value as well as trying different things.

Tell us about teachers that influenced you. What was so impactful about their teaching?

The teacher who had the most impact on my was my high school piano teacher. She saw a potential in me and held me to that high standard even though I didn’t fully see it at the time. She knew how to encourage and push me while knowing when I needed a gentle approach or a tough talk.

What does your teaching life look like now? What do you teach? Where do you teach?

I currently teach K-6 music that includes a 5/6 string and a 5/6 piano ensemble. I’m also starting to add a few more private piano students now that I feel settled in my new community. I teach in Indianapolis IN but have two piano students that I teach virtually in Michigan.

What do you love to do outside of teaching? What passions/hobbies/interests do you have?

I love creating in so many different ways! This last year that has looked like playing animal crossing, gardening at our new house, choosing paint colors and painting rooms, getting outside, reading and listening to podcasts. I love making memories with my son and husband.

Why are you #morethanamusicteacher?

My identity used to be consumed by teaching. 2020 helped me take a long look at what I valued and what boundaries I needed to have. Being a teacher, being a musician is a large part of my identity but it isn’t my entire identity. I’m empathetic and patient, I care deeply about topics I’m passionate about and am a protector.

Want to share your story with the F-flat Books Community? Head to this link to fill out the form. And, you can grab a copy of Franklin Willis’ book, More Than A Music Teacher at this link.