Plan after graduating and traveling through europe for a bitsy - buy a friggin madolin.
awwwwww hell yeah.
go listen to goat rodeo sessions.
now.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lessons
I recently spent a large chunk of time in a high school vocal music classroom. I worked with 3 different choirs, and taught a bunch of lessons to a range of students. I worked with another Luther student, and a Luther grad who is an excellent teacher. It was a tough experience, I won't lie. I didn't love every minute of it, but I did grow, and that is worth more to me than enjoyment at this point in life.
With that in mind, I give you
Lessons Learned From The Podium; not-so-choral reflections on a thoroughly choral experience
1) Know your shit.
Yes, reveling in mystery and finding the good in the unknown are great skills (that I'm still working on. I like plans, people!) BUT when you are in a position of leadership, it is very important to know what to ask of the people you're leading. In my situation, it was VERY important to know the notes. ALL THE NOTES (hyperbole and a half, anyone?). This one isn't very deep, get over it.
2) Know what you want.
This is where things got challenging for me. Sure, I could play the parts on the piano, and solfege them up the waz. I knew my notes. What I didn't know, and found hard to plan, was what to ask of the people I was leading - beyond the notes. So, find a focus. One day, class, minute, prayer, or task at a time - choose one direction and go. In this case, it was best to have a plan BEFORE going into the class, but in many cases it could be just as effective to decide in the moment. How simple is that? Find a direction and go. just A direction - not the right direction. you'll find something.
3) Listen
Obvious, but challenging. There are so many different kinds of listening! As a musician, I am constantly using my ear to help me make my music better - blending with my section, listening for balance, checking intonation, text, notes, rhythms... everything. It's gaining information from your surrounding world, whether it's musical, verbal, whatever. When I was conducting, if I was focusing on my motions (which often challenged me) I wouldn't hear what the students were doing. We'd stop, and I wouldn't know what to do because I had no information to work with, only thoughts on my own performance. It's sort of like the ultimate reflection - forced to be in time with what's going on.
4) Be persistent.
That was the biggest thing I learned. Demand what you want from your life, and it will rise to the occasion. Do not give up - keep asking for what you want. (Just so you know, this was about breath support and continued energy to achieve long phrases) My most successful time with students was one in which I accepted NOTHING less than their best. When they came back the next day, they knew I wasn't going to take less than yesterday (within reason). They knew what they were capable of, and started to expect it of themselves. So keep going - get it right. Don't be violent with yourself, you must be patient AND persistent.
5) Fake it 'till you make it.
I was afraid or nervous probably 70% of the time that I was in that school building. I told myself to ignore it, that I was going to be fine - and I was. I decided to not let my emotions get in the way of my progress. Eventually I was not afraid. I was succeeding because I was getting more comfortable. Sometimes you gotta just jump in, even if you don't think you can swim. If you don't think you're ready, just try. Will you ever REALLY be ready? how the eff are you gonna know? just go.
I am completely thankful for my J-Term experience. This was one of the most challenging times in my life for many reasons, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I got to focus on music for all hours of the day. It was beautiful, and it was sucky. But I really wouldn't have it any other way.
With that in mind, I give you
Lessons Learned From The Podium; not-so-choral reflections on a thoroughly choral experience
1) Know your shit.
Yes, reveling in mystery and finding the good in the unknown are great skills (that I'm still working on. I like plans, people!) BUT when you are in a position of leadership, it is very important to know what to ask of the people you're leading. In my situation, it was VERY important to know the notes. ALL THE NOTES (hyperbole and a half, anyone?). This one isn't very deep, get over it.
2) Know what you want.
This is where things got challenging for me. Sure, I could play the parts on the piano, and solfege them up the waz. I knew my notes. What I didn't know, and found hard to plan, was what to ask of the people I was leading - beyond the notes. So, find a focus. One day, class, minute, prayer, or task at a time - choose one direction and go. In this case, it was best to have a plan BEFORE going into the class, but in many cases it could be just as effective to decide in the moment. How simple is that? Find a direction and go. just A direction - not the right direction. you'll find something.
3) Listen
Obvious, but challenging. There are so many different kinds of listening! As a musician, I am constantly using my ear to help me make my music better - blending with my section, listening for balance, checking intonation, text, notes, rhythms... everything. It's gaining information from your surrounding world, whether it's musical, verbal, whatever. When I was conducting, if I was focusing on my motions (which often challenged me) I wouldn't hear what the students were doing. We'd stop, and I wouldn't know what to do because I had no information to work with, only thoughts on my own performance. It's sort of like the ultimate reflection - forced to be in time with what's going on.
4) Be persistent.
That was the biggest thing I learned. Demand what you want from your life, and it will rise to the occasion. Do not give up - keep asking for what you want. (Just so you know, this was about breath support and continued energy to achieve long phrases) My most successful time with students was one in which I accepted NOTHING less than their best. When they came back the next day, they knew I wasn't going to take less than yesterday (within reason). They knew what they were capable of, and started to expect it of themselves. So keep going - get it right. Don't be violent with yourself, you must be patient AND persistent.
5) Fake it 'till you make it.
I was afraid or nervous probably 70% of the time that I was in that school building. I told myself to ignore it, that I was going to be fine - and I was. I decided to not let my emotions get in the way of my progress. Eventually I was not afraid. I was succeeding because I was getting more comfortable. Sometimes you gotta just jump in, even if you don't think you can swim. If you don't think you're ready, just try. Will you ever REALLY be ready? how the eff are you gonna know? just go.
I am completely thankful for my J-Term experience. This was one of the most challenging times in my life for many reasons, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I got to focus on music for all hours of the day. It was beautiful, and it was sucky. But I really wouldn't have it any other way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)