Music Teacher Helps Students Learn the Language of Music and Reading

In Mary Rasmussen’s strings classrooms, music and reading go hand in hand. Students follow along in their music books, decoding notes and symbols as they play. They are learning to create melodies while building skills that extend beyond the music room. 

“Every symbol on a page of music has a meaning,” said Rasmussen, Omaha Public Schools strings teacher. “Students learn terms like pizzicato and arco without realizing they are strengthening their reading skills.” 

Rasmussen’s passion for teaching comes from her own experience. As a young cellist, she loved playing but struggled to read music—a challenge that shaped the way she teaches today. 

“Once students understand the basics, those small blocks of music grow into bigger sections,” Rasmussen said. “I focus on building their skills step by step. Eventually, students can play longer songs with more complexity.” 

Beyond academics, music provides a creative outlet for Rasmussen and her students at Miller Park Elementary, Mount View Elementary, Ponca Elementary and Sherman Elementary. 

“When students take their instruments home to practice, they can escape into the sounds they’ve learned to create,” she said. “Music is an outlet for creativity and can bring calmness and joy.” 

Whether music becomes a career or a lifelong hobby, Rasmussen hopes every student leaves her classroom with a lasting love for it.