CICS Bucktown -

At CICS Bucktown, music teacher Norrisa Pearson is revolutionizing music education by blending tradition with innovation. With over 15 years of teaching experience, including six at CICS Bucktown, Ms. Pearson is using technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to inspire creativity and enhance learning in her classroom. Her multifaceted role as a music teacher, Lead From Within Coach, and Regional Coordinator for the Distinctive Schools enrichment teachers reflects her dedication to continuous growth and her strong leadership.

Long before AI became mainstream, Ms. Pearson earned a master’s degree in computer education to explore how technology could enrich music instruction. Today, she integrates AI into her lessons to help students compose lyrics, create beats, and analyze music. “For me, AI isn’t something to fear—it’s an asset,” she explains. By comparing their own work to AI-generated creations, students build confidence in their abilities while learning to use technology responsibly.

In her classroom, Ms. Pearson encourages exploration while dispelling misconceptions about AI. “Some students think using AI is cheating,” she notes. Through open discussions and hands-on projects, she reframes AI as a tool for growth rather than a shortcut. One memorable moment involved a student who initially relied on AI to write a poem for a competition. Ms. Pearson encouraged him to trust his creativity—”to trust his brain”—while leveraging AI as a tool to help him brainstorm, leading to a second, original piece he proudly shared with his peers.

Platforms like Soundtrap have become staples in Ms. Pearson’s teaching, allowing students to experiment with composition and digital soundscapes. Whether analyzing tempo through AI or creating their own beats, students engage deeply with music while gaining exposure to technology.  Her approach fosters a love for music that is both timeless and innovative. “Students are thirsty for anything digital,” she observes, “but I make sure they also appreciate music in its purest form. Technology is an addition, not a replacement—it enhances the art.”

By embracing technology and AI in thoughtful ways, Ms. Pearson is preparing her students for a future where creativity and critical thinking are key. At CICS Bucktown, she’s proving that the intersection of tradition and innovation is where true harmony lies.