Comments for Harmonious.ly's blog

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by Mr. E

Mr. E — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:00:03 +0000

What school did Bach, Mozart and Beethoven attend? None. Two months of drills each year in math and Latin was considered satisfactory for a boy. Musical instruction was, of course, administered by their fathers.

Schools, like museums, seem to me artificial institutions buttressed by artificial beliefs. Once a society has no natural use for beauty and brains, one may still find them detached from the rest of life and soaking in formaldehyde.

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by Griffith

Griffith — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:46:17 +0000

I agree with what you have said. I started in school band in junior high, played through high school and college, and also played in pop/rock/jazz bands in clubs while in college. I’ve been in concert bands and choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, led music in churches and played in worship bands, and now teach 6 – 12 grade band, jazz band, and theory. I started on sax, and added flute and clarinet, and then keyboards, and now use the computer software also. I always try to tell my students that they can learn about music, both creating and performing, from everywhere…that they should listen to all styles and try to glean everything they can. I think it makes them better musicians and more musically literate.
+1

Comment on Why Music Education Is Not Just for the “Talented” by Teaching Folk, Roots, and Blues Music – Programs and Opportunities in the US | Harmonious.ly's blog

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 21:55:42 +0000

[...] Harmonious.ly's blog Connecting music teachers and students Skip to content HomeBack to Harmonious.lyAboutLife As A Music StudentAre you making progress in your music lessons?Beginning the study of music as an adultHow to create a great relationship with your music teacher ← Why Music Education Is Not Just for the “Talented” [...]

Comment on Practicing: Mistakes Are Your Ally by Why Music Education Is Not Just for the “Talented” | Harmonious.ly's blog

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:27:28 +0000

[...] to broader critical thinking and listening skills. When a student, or group of students, makes a mistake, Livingston says, we must teach them to ask their own critical questions about what’s going [...]

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by karlyndesteno

karlyndesteno — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:33:34 +0000

Brandt,
The economic perspective is a compelling part of this issue. I think many young students perceive that their musical experiences in school will prepare them for working lives in the music world. The world of performance can be a very different terrain than they might expect.
Do you think that real-world musical experience makes students better job candidates? Or does it just teach them a thing or two about how hard it can be out there in the world of gigs?
Thanks for sharing this.

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by karlyndesteno

karlyndesteno — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 01:25:31 +0000

Randy,
I think you’re right, and it’s great that you’ve found a way to advise your students about how to seek diverse musical experiences. Have you had any particular experiences that have opened up your perspective musically?
Thanks for sharing this.

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by Randy Marble

Randy Marble — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 03:07:26 +0000

Comment on Learning Music Outside the Box by Brandt Schneider

Brandt Schneider — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:35:01 +0000

I wrote about this recently. I think freshman music majors should be required to be on their own their first summer. Can they handle the stress of finding the gig so you can eat? That can focus your practice. Then go back to the dining hall for the year.

Comment on More on Preparing for Auditions: Expect the Unexpected by karlyndesteno

karlyndesteno — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:18:52 +0000

Brandt,
Great, great advice. Thanks for sharing.

I want to share a similar comment that was left for me on Facebook about this post, from Audrey Brake. Audrey writes,
“Don’t give a fig about what the examiners think. Really do your best and enjoy it for your satisfaction only…. This is not advice I received from my teacher. It’s the way I found to deal with my anxiety when being evaluated by another teacher and it happens twice a year for me.”
Thanks for sharing this, Audrey.

Comment on More on Preparing for Auditions: Expect the Unexpected by Brandt Schneider

Brandt Schneider — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:24:53 +0000

I always tell my students that there are three separate evaluations at each audition:
1. How do YOU think you did?
2. How do THEY think you did?
3. Did you get the part or make the group?

They are almost never in sync. So don’t worry about it and focus on #1. You’ll live longer.