Director’s Article: Musical Independence
Independence Day is right around the corner. It’s one of my favorite holidays.
A few summers ago I presented at the Minnesota Music Teachers Association Convention the topic: “Teaching Tomorrow’s Musicians: Building the Foundation for Musical Independence.” I was in the main ballroom between the guest speaker’s presentation. I was excited (nervous!) for the presentation. Aside from some technology glitches, it went well. I had a lot of information I wanted to share. I’d like to share with you some of the main points.
One of the many goals music teachers have is for their students to make music throughout their entire lives.
What should students learn to become tomorrow's music makers? The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) lists of essential skills for promoting a lifelong love of music and music-making.
In your lessons at Brighter Minds Music, you will learn the following skills to become lifelong music makers:
Ability to internalize basic rhythms and pulse;
Ability to read - music literacy;
Ability to perform with physical ease and technical efficiency;
Ability to hear the notes on a page;
Ability to work creatively - improvise, compose, harmonize and play by ear;
Ability to understand basic elements of theory, form, harmony, etc.
Ability to respond to the interpretive elements of the composition to express the emotional character of the music;
Ability to conceptualize and transfer musical ideas;
Ability to work independently and to problem-solve;
Ability to perform comfortably individually and with others in a variety of settings
There is so much to learn with music. Summertime is a great time to have musical creativity blossom. Just simply make music - it can be something that you create on your own or learning a new song you’ve wanted to play. Ask your teacher for some ideas.
See you soon!
Emily Ireland,
Owner, Director
Brighter Minds Music