Q: Can a music education really make my child smarter?
A: Research has now proven that a music education is a vital part of a complete education.
Studies show that music enhances higher brain function, that it improves reading and math performance
and raises SAT and also IQ scores. In addition, music provides important experiences such as physical
coordination, concentration and quick thinking. Discipline problems and substance abuse have also found
to be lower in music students. Socially, music helps children develop teamwork skills and prepares them
for working with others in the future.
Q: How can I help my child succeed in music?
A: First, provide a quality instrument by a major instrument maker and make sure that the instrument is
always in good working order. You can help by scheduling regular daily practice times and by providing a
quiet place where your child can practice. Be nearby during practice times as often as possible and praise
your child's efforts and achievements. Be supportive of your child's interest in music and encourage your
child to practice at home and to perform as often as possible. Plus, expose your child to a variety of musical
experiences by listening to music and by participating in music-related events such as concerts, theatre and dance.
Q: Should my child take private lessons?
A: Most educators recommend private lessons on an instrument in addition to in-school band or orchestra classes.
Private lessons allow the individual attention a child needs to progress more rapidly on their instrument, and to perform
to the best of their abilities.
From the mother of these brothers: "I don't at all mind you going out of the box
with the boys when you deem it appropriate. Trevor has really
enjoyed doing Heart and Soul. It has helped to motivate him and get
him excited about practicing. I think it would be good for all of
them at times. Trevor is also excited about the Christmas book.
They have all been working hard. You are doing a great job with the
boys."
MUSINGS ON MUSIC EDUCATION
Music has always been a part of my life. My father was a professional jazz musician and my first piano teacher was my mother. I grew up in Rochester going to all sorts of events at the Eastman. In addition to piano, I studied brass in school and played in various ensembles.
I love to teach, and I enjoy interaction with people, especially children. Teaching piano gives me a sense of purpose by imparting my knowledge and lifelong passion for music to those who want to learn. It gives me special satisfaction to work with kids who are learning the
elements of music for the first time. Everything is brand new to them and it renews my own sense of joy and wonder in the miracle of sound and creation that I experienced as a little boy discovering the great works at concerts and on records.
Whether teaching piano, organ, theory, ear-training, improvisation, composition, or vocal coaching, I am always text-based in print materials. For piano students, I have used —with much success over the past 6 years— the Piano Adventures method by Nancy and Randall Faber.
For the older students I have also used the Accelerated Piano Adventures as well as the Adult Piano Adventures. These provide a solid, structured framework which I feel is essential in a sequential, long-term course. I routinely expand and expound upon the written materials,
even editing notes and expression in order to present the most complete education experience I can. In the process, I have a good time interacting with my students, young and old, and feel that our sessions are a very personal, friendly time of sharing something beautiful together.
My contact with parents is also personal, but necessarily more business-like. I always give freely of my time to those who are interested in being involved in their children's learning, since I firmly believe family support at home makes practice doubly productive.
RELATED THOUGHTS:
Being in Nashville, I often have people come to me who want to become singing stars in a few weeks, or learn to accompany themselves quickly to enhance their songwriting efforts. I try to discourage these requests, and emphasize that music is like learning a language and a physical
skill at the same time, like Korean in conjunction with Tae Kwon Do. It takes time, facility, lots of work, and dedication. I do not believe in teaching people to play "by ear." Playing by ear is a God-given aptitude, and I think people who have the gift to play by ear teach themselves.
A teacher cannot bestow this ability, however one can "fine tune" it through education in music theory. For the occasional adult who wants to study only jazz or improv, I use books like "Classic Jazz Standards" (Bill Boyd) or "Boogie Woogie Hanon" (Alfassy) or "The Joy of Jazz" (Agay)
supplemented by charts, lead sheets and fake books.
Maintaining one's own skill level is crucial in order to demonstrate properly executed passages. (Besides, it's good for my ego when a wide-eyed student asks, "How do you do that?") I have one student now who has had to back up a couple levels in her books because she had a teacher who
never showed her how to play. She never learned from hearing examples or seeing correct hand position, fingerings, phrasing, etc. demonstrated. On top of that, her teacher was uncritical, passing her on every piece without her having truly learned to play. I practiced hard growing up,
first as a student, then as a music major and now as a long-time church musician, so I know how to practice!
One must be very knowledgeable in music. Having spent all my life around it, and having earned a master's degree in music education, I don't feel a student will ever ask me something I can't answer. At the least, I'll know how to find out the answer and communicate this knowledge.
Communication is very important to me and I take pride in being able to convey concepts to learners in a positive, constructive manner. As I tell my students, none of whom are on a music career path, the main point of them taking lessons is to have fun and enjoy the activity of playing
for themselves and others.
For a guide to Characteristics of a Professional Instructor, click HERE.
From the mother of these brothers:
