A Backstage Tour of [Music] Education

I wanted to be a famous scientist when I grew up, or even before I grew up, if possible.  So, I went to the library looking for books on science projects and information on how to be famous.  I only found one kids’ book on the subject of fame and  I remember nothing of it.  But I found tons of cool stuff about science.

So in college, I pursued science.  And English.  And mathematics. And Latin and dance and education and music… and everything! … and ended up choosing music.  I’ve never lost my passion for science, and now, far from where I originally saw myself (a.k.a. not as famous or scientifically employed as I imagined), I am experiencing something that thrills my scientist and musician and all of my interests and curiosities.  I am experiencing the unveiling of a long-kept secret.

The secret is how “they” taught “us” everything we know.  How did they do it?  How did they take standards and mountains of facts and transform it all into something so brilliantly magnetic and vivifying?  I never wondered before because I enjoyed the product so much.  But now, I have a backstage pass!  And it’s awesome to be learning how to teach others.  For you math geeks and English fanatics, I’ll use the simile that it’s like awesome and learning squared!

Here are a few notes about what’s happening “back-stage”:

• Creativity and resourcefulness – teachers are constantly looking for new and meaningful ways to present ideas to students.  Check out www.talesandscales.org as an example of outstanding creativity in music education!
• Encouragement – this is a key teachers use to unlock doors for students.
• Rehearsal – going over lesson plans to perform them genuinely for students (a.k.a. off script – it’s more engaging).
• Speaking “Time” – teachers learn to master the language of 5 – 20 minutes, otherwise known as the language of student attention spans.
• Speaking “Verb” – teachers keep our bodies and our brains moving. Google “brain breaks” and TRY some of them!
• Perseverance – teachers support their students, especially when their students hit “rough patches”.
• Determination – perseverance is the action; determination is the fuel.

As a famous scientist once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” -Albert Einstein

On a side note, Albert Einstein played the cl… clari… … violin.

Thanks for reading!  (Now go practice!)

Inspired in part by David Cutler’s The Savvy Musician regarding educational work.

Image credit: http://lifeinthesecondhalf.blogspot.com/2011/05/music-brain.html