Lauma Eglīte is a young music teacher at Riga State Gymnasium No. 2, where she teaches music, works with the school choir, and leads a vocal ensemble for boys in grades 7–9. Her passion for the stage, singing, music-making, and performing emerged in early childhood, while her interest in teaching was inspired by the strong personalities she encountered among her own music teachers.
When she began her studies at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, Lauma quickly realised how many opportunities such an education could offer: working with students of different ages, teaching in schools, conducting choirs, giving vocal lessons, teaching piano, or introducing students to music theory. Yet what appealed to her most was the idea that a music teacher can open the door to the rich and diverse world of music and culture for young people.
Lauma began working in a school while still a university student, after receiving an invitation to become involved in the musical life of Riga State Gymnasium No. 2. At first, she worked with vocal ensembles, but later took on additional responsibilities, including choir leadership and classroom teaching. Today, she has been working at the school for six years.
Speaking about the role of music education in schools, Lauma passionately describes it as an essential contribution to a young person’s development.
“In music lessons, students develop not only musical abilities but also thinking skills, analytical abilities, discussion and argumentation skills, collaboration, and creativity. Music classes also allow students to learn through movement, developing coordination and the ability to combine action and thought simultaneously. A music teacher has the opportunity to open the door to the vast world of music and culture. No one says students must immediately enjoy everything they encounter, but you never know at which stage of life something heard, learned, or experienced in a music lesson may become meaningful. I approach this work with a strong sense of responsibility, purpose, and genuine enthusiasm because I believe my students will gradually learn to appreciate different musical genres and styles. Some may become interested in music history, some I may later meet at concerts, and many I am certain I will see singing in the great Song and Dance Festival choir,” she says.
Beyond STEM: Why STEAM Matters
According to Lauma, this is particularly important at a time when so much attention is devoted to STEM education. While recognising the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, she believes the arts should not be overlooked.
In her view, music education helps create balanced, culturally aware, and broadly educated young people. That is why she supports the increasingly popular concept of STEAM, which incorporates the arts alongside STEM disciplines as a source of creativity, innovation, and broader thinking.
Creating a Space Where Everyone Can Succeed
Teaching music is not always easy. Every classroom brings together students with very different backgrounds and abilities. Some have studied at music schools for years, while others have no formal musical training. Some possess strong natural musicality, while others need support in developing confidence, courage, and willingness to participate.
For Lauma, the most important task is creating an environment where every student can experience success.
“Talented children are not only those who have formal music education or naturally strong musical abilities. Talented children are also those who are diligent, willing to learn, and brave enough to try. Often it is courage and perseverance that help uncover abilities students did not even realise they possessed,” she explains.
Recognition for Music Education
Lauma is pleased to see that music education is receiving increasing recognition within the broader educational system. One significant milestone was the fact that this year the Music Olympiad was held for the first time with official national Olympiad status.
“The Music Olympiad becoming a national Olympiad sends an important message that music education is equal in value to other academic fields. For students who discover themselves through music, it provides an opportunity to receive recognition and experience success. It builds confidence, encourages further development, and gives students the feeling that their efforts matter and are noticed,” she says.
Several of Lauma’s own students participated in this year’s competition. Of the seven students she nominated for the Olympiad, six received diplomas at the Riga regional stage, while one advanced to the national finals.
This achievement is particularly meaningful for her because some of these students do not attend music school and have developed their abilities entirely through general education.
When preparing students for the Olympiad, Lauma prioritised creativity and self-expression over rigid instruction.
“It was important for me to encourage students to create their own performances and compose their own musical pieces. My role was often that of a mentor rather than a strict instructor—to support, advise, notice, and encourage,” she explains.
Results That Take Time
Throughout the conversation, Lauma repeatedly emphasises that music is one of those fields where results are rarely visible immediately. Progress comes through patience, consistency, and long-term engagement.
This applies both to students, who gradually develop their skills step by step, and to teachers, who must remain patient, creative, encouraging, and committed throughout the process.
As students look forward to their summer holidays, Lauma also highlights the importance of rest and balance.
“School holidays are meant for rest. Of course, talent needs to be nurtured and developed, but music and culture can be explored in many different ways. I always encourage students to enjoy music from a different perspective during their free time—attending concerts, events, listening to different styles of music, and discovering what truly inspires them. Fortunately, music is present in almost every aspect of our daily lives, so summer is a wonderful time to enjoy it while also taking time to relax and recharge,” says Lauma Eglīte.
The National Music Olympiad is held every two years. The 12th National Music Olympiad is scheduled for the 2027/2028 academic year. Feedback on the 11th National Music Olympiad and information about the next competition will be available in the Music Teachers’ Digital Room on the Skolo.lv learning platform.
The National Music Olympiad is organised by the State Education Development Agency within the ESF+ project “Development of a Professional Support System for Teachers.”
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
