I just returned from four days in New York City. For once it wasn’t really a business trip but was to celebrate with friends. My husband Don and I first went to Long Island and stayed with my friend from college, violinist Deede Cook. Deede and I used to be roommates and also performed in Silverwood together. When she married Peter Winkler who teaches music classes at Stony Brook University she moved away and we still miss both of them. Music brought us together and still remains a bond between us.
Next we went to Anne Drummond’s wedding in NYC. I have been close friend’s with Anne’s mom Jill, since we were six years old! Jill and her mom and sisters all played the flute and I was so jealous. Finally when we were in college Jill gave me my first flute lesson.. and as they say, the rest is history. Now here we were at Anne’s “Big, Fat Greek wedding.” I visited Anne in the hospital when she was born and now she is a world-famous jazz flutist. There were many musicians at the ceremony including Anne’s middle school and high school band directors and her Manhattan School of Music piano and flute teachers. Wow. Music has the ability to bring people together but also to keep them together for a lifetime. What other class, job, or hobby can do that?? We are so lucky to be musicians!
Archive for September, 2010
Music Makes Long-Term Friendships
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010A Good Fit
Sunday, September 12th, 2010I got calls from four prospective students this week with room to take only one. What to do? I decided to invite each student for a sample lesson so we could get to know each other. “New Girl # 1″ came for her first lesson. “She’s been playing in band for two years and is bored with it” said her mom. She wants to learn more than the band director is teaching. “That sounds like good motivation” I thought. But when I heard “New Girl #1″ play I began to change my mind. After playing for two years she didn’t tongue (she breathed after every note!) and she could hardly read music. The beginning piece with only the notes A & B was challenging for her. After telling her about my program (a lifestyle as some of my students call it), she didn’t seem excited and when I asked her if she was prepared to practice an hour a day she was hesitant. I think it is impossible to tell from a first lesson how a student will end up after a few years (I’ve had many surprises!), but I just got a feeling that “New Girl 1″ and I had different goals so I suggested another teacher who lives closer to her and will do a great job.
“New Girl #2 then came for a visit. She was so shy she never looked at me and I felt it was more her mother’s idea for lessons than hers. When I asked if she wanted to come back on Friday for a lesson she answered, “Well I guess so unless my friends and I have plans.” Woops-not the attitude I’m looking for. Talking to the mother of “New Girl #3 on the phone last week I asked if her daughter was excited about the flute. “Well as excited as any 14-year-old is about anything.” Yikes.
It was hard telling these students that I couldn’t take them but after some mismatches, I’ve grown to know I’m not the right teacher for every student. I don’t need a student who is advanced (in fact I prefer beginners) but I do need a student who is excited and anxious to learn. Perhaps you’re a teacher who specializes in beginners, young children, or even kids who are not too serious about their instrument. That’s great. Every child (and adult!) deserves a chance to learn and have music be a small or a large part of his or her life. But it is important as a teacher to know yourself and your specialty so everyone ends up happy. When the student and teacher are a good match it is magical!
The New Year
Tuesday, September 7th, 2010January may be the New Year for most people, but for teachers it is September. I have an entirely different studio this year than most. I had 6 graduating seniors (5 of whom I’d taught since grade school!) and one student move away. The students who are now in college were such a big part of my studio I feel as if my relatives have moved to another state! All of my high school students now are transfer students so they are in varying stages of learning and getting used to me. But as much as I’ll miss the kids who left, it was time for them to move on. We were both ready.
And now I get to open the door of music to new students. Those first few months of lessons can be tough, especially when they are just beginners. Sometimes it’s hard to think of the long road ahead or imagine that some of these kids will ever play a musical phrase. But then I remember back to some of my most accomplished students and their meager beginnings. Kids I thought would never learn how to play two notes in a row got into top performing groups and some even graduated from conservatories. Most of my students this year may not be as advanced as most of those who just left, but they make up for technique with enthusiasm. I had one new student today and we were both panting and fanning ourselves at the end of the lesson because we had worked so hard! If we’re both excited and try hard I can promise they’ll make amazing strides by the end of the year. So when you look at that new student this week-keep the faith. They won’t sound like that forever!
Having Fun Social Times with Your Students
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010I just returned from 3 days in the mountains with 18 of my students ranging in age from 9-18. We rent condos at Snowater Resort by Mt. Baker where we do yoga, swim, hike along the river and at the mountain top, play silly games, barbecue and play lots of flute. I am so lucky that two professional flutist/professors are my coaches, Laura Barron and Donna Shin, and Maggie Stapleton, a recent UW grad who received her master’s degree studying with Donna is also a coach and helper. Parents drive and are in charge of meals, clean up and chaperoning. The students are divided into three groups according to age and ability for master classes but are mixed up for games and some flute choir. This year I instigated a “buddy-for-a-day” system pairing young and older students to eat one meal together and to perform their piece for each other. We had so much fun!
When I tell people about my camp some are envious but many think I’m crazy! Why do I do it? The energy I invest in flute summer camp reaps dividends all year long.Both the students and I learn from the flute coaches at the beginning of the year which helps us focus our efforts right from the start. The students have 6 chances to perform: a masterclass with each coach, playing for their daily buddy, and the concert the last day. They hear each other and are motivated to keep up with the gang. But perhaps most importantly, the students become friends and we forge a feeling of pride and connection within the studio. Sometimes being a student musician seems like a lonely pursuit, but at camp the kids get to meet others just like themselves. During the year they look forward to seeing their friends at our flute events and they cheer each other on during contest season. And it’s tons of fun-even for me!
Perhaps the idea of an overnight summer camp is too daunting, but start thinking of ways you could reap some of the same benefits in your studio. What about just one day for a day camp? Maybe an ensemble day? Perhaps a day-long masterclass with a coach or with students analyzing each other? Think of a topic interesting to all levels in your studio and give a presentation interspersed with getting-to-know-you games. Perhaps just a couple of games before a recital to loosen everyone up. Students love feeling part of a special group and will work hard to stay in your studio, but students whose only commitment is the weekly lesson may soon lose their enthusiasm for lessons and their music.
I’d love to hear creative ideas for fun studio and bonding events from you.