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After quite a bit of research and 20 years of experience, I have learned that to develop a MUSICIAN out of a music student requires a balance of three components of musical life:
Emotional - Music speaks to our souls in a unique way. In order for any student to wish to continue their music education for a lifetime, the student must connect on a personal level with the music they are learning and have a distinct motivation for becoming a well-rounded musician. Some students are deeply connected to the message music communicates (social, political) and others love music for its inherent value - for the sheer love of organized sound and the "chord" it strikes in our souls.
Technical - True pleasure in music is maximized with the mastering of basic techniques. A student may find temporary pleasure when they dabble in music by flitting from instrument to instrument but the development of the physical skill of playing an instrument and the development of music-reading skills and an understanding of music theory at an age-appropriate level will guarantee a deeper love of music in the long run and ensure that the student will pursue music making for years to come.
Social - Music is even more so enjoyed when shared with others. Sometimes this happens in a formal setting through playing in a recital, attending a concert, singing in a choir or playing in a band or orchestra. Other times happens in an informal setting; for instance sitting down to play a duet with a friend, singing in the shower, practicing a band instrument with a friend after school, or an impromptu jam session among family members around the piano in the living room. Humans are by nature social creatures and we derive pleasure from the support of our peers. This applies to making music as well and students almost always find great pleasure and encouragement when sharing music in a positive atmosphere with others.
To keep the necessary balance of all three components, the teacher must recognize that every student is UNIQUE and understands and appreciates music differently.
Therefore my approach to music instruction is that:
-Every student should learn a balanced repertoire of music that includes pieces of the students' and teachers' choices
-Students MUST practice in between lessons to develop adequate physical skill to enjoy their instrument of choice
-Music should be shared with others: for example through recitals, in group lesson situations, through organized music groups such as bands, choirs, and orchestras, or with family and friends in impromptu recitals and jam sessions
If you are interested to read more on this topic, please see the attached documents below - some of my research on teaching music.
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philosophy |