I think that this is the most important video for all teachers, regardless of their subject , to watch. Ben Zander gives a brilliant talk about how to encourage and build student confidence. Please watch. This video is the inspiration for my own teaching.
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Here are four questions that I have been asked often throughout my years teaching violin and viola. The answers I have given are based on my experience of various schools etc. There may be some schools out there, and some music programs I don't know about that doing things differently. If so, please let me know! I'm always keen to stay up to date.
1. Why should I send my child to a private music teacher like you when they can learn music at school? As far as I am aware, very few public schools in Adelaide will be offering music at school. Many that will have music classes that only run a term or semester of music at school. Most of them, I believe, will not be able to offer many instruments (and I really hope I am wrong). Some primary schools do offer general classroom music. Most of the time, I think this tends to be fairly basic because there are always children that do not want to learn an instrument, and these students have to be allowed for by teachers. Some private schools do offer a lot of music. There is a current fashion for 'all year 2s do recorder/ all year 3s learn a stringed instrument' etc. The problem is, that to become proficient at either a stringed instrument or the piano, it takes a few YEARS. It also has created a culture of students becoming 'jacks of all trade, masters of none'. Nearly all of the lessons are also, in groups. There is nothing wrong with that. I like to teach beginners in groups. But within 2-4 months there is always a difference between students abilities (based on talent, how much they practice etc.). The students at the top of the class are always impatient to go on to something new, those at the bottom always feel they can't do anything right. In any event, I think it is fairly safe to say that music is treated as a 'practical' subject. I have found that almost no child I have taught has ever done any basic music theory at primary school level. I have also seen some staggering gaps at high school level (like senior music students not knowing the difference between a crotchet and a quaver). As a private studio teacher, I can tailor everything I do to each individual. This is a luxury classroom music teachers often do not get much choice in. 2. Why should my child learn music theory? Isn't it hard? Music theory can really important. Some children go absolutely fine without it. Some children just want to play for fun and do not need to do a lot. But if you are fairly serious about music, it helps with being able to analyze pieces. It means that student's understanding about the style of their music improves much quicker than without doing theory. 3. Can't they just do theory online or on their own? Yes. This is fine...until they have a problem. AMEB materials are frequently pitched at high school (or higher) level, even from the early grades. Also, in a small group, I can give immediate feedback to a child if they are having trouble. Problems get solved early. Sometimes, students perpetually get something wrong that a few simple words of explanation from a teacher can fix. As for music theory being difficult? There are a few myths that reading music and doing theory is difficult. Sure, if no one is there to explain it to you, or you don't learn step by step, it can be really confusing. With guidance and help students can learn from as young as seven or eight, provided that the materials are simplified for them. For example, if five lines of a stave are confusing, why not just start with one line? Under the line can be 'do', on the line 're' and above the line 'mi'. Once I find a level to start from, it is relatively easy to teach most children. 4. When should my child do music theory? Answer; as soon as they can manage. Some kids can start at seven, some at nine. Talk to your music instrumental teacher- everyone is different. I like to see students complete at least grade 2 music theory (AMEB) before they go to high school. Students can then usually 'coast' in school music lessons, allowing greater time for other homework in the big change to high school. It also means that they have a good chance, if they are really keen, to complete up to grade 4/5 level in music theory before year 11 and 12. |
teaching blog
News, ideas and views about teaching the violin, viola and classical music theory by Rosalie Westphalen. Archives
January 2021
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