In teaching, I have learned way more than I could ever impart. I am so grateful that I get to spend a number of hours each week interacting with actual human beings on a one-to-one basis about music. Considering that according to Nicholas Carr's book, we on average spend 8.5 hours a day in front of a screen, I'm a fortunate soul to have as a part of my life's work the cultivation of young musical minds.
I teach at community music schools by choice. While the reason I don't pursue music education at the university level will be saved for a different post, it has occurred to me that in my time as an educator I have learned a tremendous amount about teaching. I know that I'm not alone, having graduated from a university with a music performance degree and taking a teaching job to pay the rent while I pursued my big break. The fact is that I received absolutely no training in how to teach. It's long been joke-threat of mine that I would write a book about teaching music to children if I could ever figure out a way to stretch "Be Avuncular and Never Underestimate the Power of Stickers" into a book. I've thought of some other concepts I wish I had known 20 years ago and I figure now is a good time to share them.
So here goes: a bullet-pointed list of some random thoughts on the music education of children at community music schools.
- Be Avuncular. An uncle is a fun, cool guy you see on holidays and vacations. He's caring, but not overprotective or burdensome. He let's you get away with stuff, but won't let you go too far. You never get in trouble with an uncle. (Female educators can be avuncular, too.)
- Never Underestimate the Power of Stickers. Seriously. Want a friend for life? Give a 7-year-old a sticker and let them put it where they want. Instant enthusiasm.
- It's Never About You. Ever. As a musician, you've had many chances to perform, to shine and for it to be all about you. And you probably still do. For that half-hour that you're with that kid, however, it's all about them. Same goes for student recitals and your dealings with the administration at a school. Don't forget why you're there.
- Don't Talk Down to Kids. They can tell, and it annoys them.
- Don't Phone It In. They can tell, and it annoys them.
- Take Minibreaks. The job of being a music teacher takes a tremendous amount of energy and concentration. In most jobs, you can visit the water cooler for 10 minutes, space out looking out the window for 2, or surf the dumb internet for 5. Any of these things won't fly in a music lesson, however. Your brain needs rest, though, or you'll go nuts. Grab 10 seconds here and there throughout the day to keep your sanity.
- Be Involved. Ask the student questions about their life. Where they like to go on vacation, what's their favorite book. Take a minute or two at the beginning of the lesson to say, "How are you?" And mean it.
- Expose Your Students to Music They Might Not Have Heard. Duh. But don't ever judge their reactions to it. You are the messenger only. Let the Art do it's work, and know that it can take a while.
- Read the Parents. Although not a Suzuki educator, I agree with the philosophy that it's best when the student, teacher and parent all take an equal level of responsibility for the musical development of the student. Parents vary however in what level they want to be involved. Some want to sit in the lesson with you, while some you'll never meet. Try to involve them, but don't push too hard. Life can be complicated and you may be glorified baby sitter. Work with what you've got.
- Be Of Service. Yes, you are brilliant. You are an Artist. When the world really hears your music it will be such a tremendous event it'll go down in history for all time. When you teach, you are in the service industry, however. Connect the living body of the knowledge with the living mind of the student. That's your job, and you're paid to do it. Serve, and it will be endlessly rewarding.
