Selecting their next teacher

I can think of a few situations this may be necessary.


■They’re moving
■You’re moving
■You’ve taught them all you can
■It’s not a good fit
■They’re off to music school
■You are downsizing
■They want to learn something you don’t teach

Whatever the reason, the next teacher will assess their ability, progress, and potential and our teaching effectiveness. Possibly an embarrassing prospect. The next teacher will be impressed with our work if the student has learned the basics, has mastered the technique at their level, has learned how to practice and they still possess the joy to play that attracted them to music in the first place.

When I interview a prospective transfer student or I’m evaluating a student in a professional situation some of the things I’m looking for are:

■Enthusiastic attitude
■Good hands (technique)
■The student can clap accurately the rhythm in the music I give them (shows me they’ve worked on the basics)
■They are clear on their objectives (clarity of purpose)
■They can play a few favourite pieces (indicates their musical preferences)
■They have a few favourite pieces (an excellent indicator of enthusiasm)
■They listen to the music they want to study. (If they want to study classical music they enjoy actively listening to it. Ditto for jazz, pop, whatever.)

In the book “Practicing, A musician’s returned to music” by Glenn Kurtz, Kurtz muses with regret the technical deficiencies he brought to music school.

Wynton Marsalis in all his writings stresses the work ethic, a good heart, and mastering the basics. His books “To a young musician” and his latest, which I finished recently, “Moving to higher ground” harps constantly on these themes.

So, I suggest they interview teachers and select the one who stresses the basics, is student focused, and has a history of success in the area the student wants to work. Find a teacher who will stretch them, challenge them, and encourage them. Seek one who is creative, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Cheers
David Story

sharing ideas with each other

Dear Hamilton- Halton ORMTA members, Our ORMTA Fundraising

Committee is embarking on a new venture, and we are asking for your help. We feel that all of our members have teaching ideas that every member can benefit from knowing, and we ask you to request at your first branch meeting that everyone in your group sit down and record all the teaching tips they use in their studios to help their students progress in their musical studies.

We have the following categories in mind, and are also open to all other suggestions for topics: Rudiments, Theory, Technique, Practice Tips, Musical Games, Vocal, Piano, Other Instruments, Time Management, Visual Aids, Motivational Tools, Memorization, Exam, Festival and Recital Preparation, Composing Ideas

One of the MANY reasons that ORMTA membership is so important to all of us is sharing ideas with each other, and supporting each other, so we will all be better teachers. Each of us has many gifts to share, and to that end, we ask you to share your ideas with all of us, so we can help our students to reach their goals.

The completed "OPUS" will be for sale at the Convention in London next July, and we will be taking orders as soon as the book is completed. Please watch for more information about this fundraising project in the next issue of NOTES. We thank you very much for your support. Lorrie Tennant and Charline Farrell ORMTA Fundraising Committee send your tips to lorrietennant@sympatico.ca

my response

Here are five tips I've given to students:

1. Listen to the music, professionally and competently played, with the score in hand. Concentrate listening to one element at a time: Dynamics, phrasing, articulations, etc. Mark up your score with what you hear. Try it out. Keep what you like.

2. Go to concerts letting your teacher know what you like. Too many students like one type of music and dutifully and reluctantly study another type.

3. Exercise before practicing. The release of endorphins will help you focus and inspire you. For kids I've recommended running around for 10 minutes, or playing street hockey, throw some hoops etc. For adults practice try practicing after returning from the gym.

4. Learning to play well is very difficult, which is why it is so satisfying. :-)

5. Try to breathe slowly while practicing, it will help the body relax, the keep the mind focused.

Cheers, David

Private Music Teaching: Core Competencies

1. Helping students to connect emotionally to music study. (Desire)
2. Expanding their repertoire. (The Pay-off)
3. Teaching the student to enjoy practicing. (The Process)
4. Technical development. (The Tools)
5. Nuturing and developing their desire to succeed. (Primary Life-skill)

Madame Boulanger: "without desire you have nothing".

Cheers,
David