Four Things

A lifetime of reflection about my work and still looking at ways to capture a bit of what feels important in the net of language. In a course with high school music teachers here in Singapore, I shared this little summary of the four things I think we’re intending to teach. 

• Memorable Material:  Which pieces/ songs/ styles/ dances are best suited for your particular situation? Pay attention to:

-      Cultural relevancy and inclusion

-      Quality literature that will pass (or has passed) the test of time

-      Inspiring or poetic or funny or relevant text

-      Music you love

            • Musical Process: How do you teach the material? Pay attention to:

-      The class flowing like a piece of music

-      Engaging the children and keep them active and involved 

-      Developing step by step so they feel successful

-      Challenging them, but not overwhelming them 

-      Educating their whole self: hand, head, hearing and heart

            • A Child Who Needs to Feel Valued: Do you feel the class as an opportunity for each 

                 child to feel known and welcomed? Pay attention to:

-      Belief in each child’s generalmusicality, look for each child’s specific musicality.

-      Give them opportunities to share their interests. 

-      Look for moments of a breakthrough in understanding or mastery. 

-      Praise their actions and accomplishments, not their general personality.

              • A Connected Community: What might music class offer the school community as 

                  a whole that helps unify the mission? 

-      Look to unite the school with a shared song repertoire.

-      Look for ways to add life and color to school events and ceremonies.

-      Educate colleagues and parents as to how music helps cultivate the intelligence, imagination and humanitarian promise of each child and the community as a whole. 

                 

 That’s a lot of things asking for our attention. But if can unite our intention and attention, the rewards are… well, simply marvelous.