Macaulley Whitlock is a cellist and teacher who comes from a family full of musicians and educators. She is coming to Longy from Monterrey, Mexico, where she has been working to develop a strings and community outreach program for local children.
Starting the “Huasteca Adacemy” in Monterrey showed me how easily music can cross borders. I have been working to develop my school’s strings program and reach out to the community around the school. Once a week after school I bring instruments to the kids who live nearby and we learn violin, play games, read books, and eat snacks. In spite of the language barrier, we’ve managed to communicate and learn together. It has been such a beautiful experience.
It’s so special when I get to see the impact of music with my students first-hand. I’ll never forget when my 4th grade small group was setting up for their lesson and I overheard one of the students saying “Yes! Time for violin! I’ve been waiting all day for this—I can finally be myself!” Moments like that fill my heart with joy and show me how transformative music education is for young musicians.
I am inspired by all the phenomenal music educators who I’ve gotten to observe, practice with, and learn from throughout my childhood and career. I chose to come to Longy for my Masters of Music in Music Education because I want to be part of a positive change in education, and I believe in making music and education more accessible and equitable for all children. I always keep that “why” in mind as I grow as a teacher and a person. Being a music educator may be emotionally exhausting at times, but it’s also so magical, joyful, and human.