Every year the question of teaching arises. Every year I put it off,
because I don't really feel qualified to represent the music I love.
On the other hand, do I know anyone who is actually teaching
my chosen music, better than I could myself? Do I even know
anyone that teaches Irish music at all?
I have been asked to teach a brief class for a music festival
(that is not about Irish music at all, at all), lasting only an hour or so, but less than two, and given "carte blanche" to whatever instrument I wish, which could be whistle, flute, wooden or silver, bouzouki/mandocello, bodhran, or in the extreme: washtub bass.
I suppose I could lecture about the origins , or root connection to the Scots/Irish music as it applies to the Appalachian genre, including so-called Old-time music.
Or even connect to early American traditions of the immigrants that so influenced our music of that period.
But I want to pursue a reality, or "relational" track to the current influences. I'm just not excited about propounding the historical imperative.
I believe I should just have some fun with the music and see where it goes from there. Who knows, maybe I can get my own session going, and that would be a very nice outcome.
Anyone with any suggestions, or similar experience?
I got the same thing. A yeare ago a friend of mine asked me to teach someone (on the tenor banjo), as there are no teachers here in Holland. I just started out to see where it would lead, and the man is playing sessions now. For teaching, most importantly is to learn as you teach adn keep the music flowing. Teach whatever youre students want to learn, or whatever you feel is relevant and your student need to know.
I'm not an expert on this subject, but this could be some advice which works for you.
Great opportunity. Go for it. You have to start somewhere.
Some tips from a couple years of teaching:
Find a topic that is specific, excites you, and you could talk for hours about.
Plan several hours of content for your one hour class (the classic mistake is to plan for an hour and run out of material in 15 minutes.)
Bring props for them to look at like sheet music, instruments, photos…
Make a hand-out that participants can take with them to explore on their own once the class is over.
Listen to your students. Find out what they know and let them share their experiences with others.
Don’t worry about getting through your whole batch of prepared content. It is better finish seeming like you have much more to cover than to be out of things to say on the topic.
I didn't think of props or handouts, and, since I am a photographer
as well, or better than being a musician, I think you have made some
really smart suggestions that will make it easier for to add some value
to the class. I don't have any problem with teaching, it's just that I feel
it is a big responsibility to and I hate to screw it up.
When I consider how much I have to learn, I am humbled. I also do not feel qualified to teach. As you say, it is a big responsibility. I keep saying to myself, maybe after I master this, or I learn that... I could put the idea of teaching off for a long long time.
On the other hand, its important that people teach music. You have a chance to share with people your enthusiasm for music.
Worst case, you teach your heart out and they don't take anything away from your workshop, no harm done.
Consider though if someone leaves your workshop deciding that it is time to take up and instrument and get lessons somewhere. Or maybe they used to play, but quit and now they want to get started again. You have made the world a better place and improved their quality of life.
No one is going to teach just like you. You will connect deeply with some people and not so much with others. Who is to say what will come of it? I imagine only good.
You will become a better teacher as you develop experience. Not only that, you might even reconnect with what excites you about music in the first place. I think it is worth doing and you should be applauded for your efforts.
If your intention is to get people interested in the idea of making music together in the traditional way, why not do just that (ie, get them playing together)? I've experienced quite a few workshops where people have talked to us about the music but we punters don't get to join in and it's pretty frustrating - ie is your message, and what you actually do with the group, congruent?
Teaching
Teaching
Hi everyone,
Every year the question of teaching arises. Every year I put it off,
because I don't really feel qualified to represent the music I love.
On the other hand, do I know anyone who is actually teaching
my chosen music, better than I could myself? Do I even know
anyone that teaches Irish music at all?
I have been asked to teach a brief class for a music festival
(that is not about Irish music at all, at all), lasting only an hour or so, but less than two, and given "carte blanche" to whatever instrument I wish, which could be whistle, flute, wooden or silver, bouzouki/mandocello, bodhran, or in the extreme: washtub bass.
I suppose I could lecture about the origins , or root connection to the Scots/Irish music as it applies to the Appalachian genre, including so-called Old-time music.
Or even connect to early American traditions of the immigrants that so influenced our music of that period.
But I want to pursue a reality, or "relational" track to the current influences. I'm just not excited about propounding the historical imperative.
I believe I should just have some fun with the music and see where it goes from there. Who knows, maybe I can get my own session going, and that would be a very nice outcome.
Anyone with any suggestions, or similar experience?
windybaer
(formerly:Whistle Bare)
# Posted on April 11th 2006 by wvwhistler
Re: Teaching
Yo Whistle Bear,
I got the same thing. A yeare ago a friend of mine asked me to teach someone (on the tenor banjo), as there are no teachers here in Holland. I just started out to see where it would lead, and the man is playing sessions now. For teaching, most importantly is to learn as you teach adn keep the music flowing. Teach whatever youre students want to learn, or whatever you feel is relevant and your student need to know.
I'm not an expert on this subject, but this could be some advice which works for you.
Greetz, Sjoerd
# Posted on April 11th 2006 by Dark Raven
Re: Teaching
Great opportunity. Go for it. You have to start somewhere.
Some tips from a couple years of teaching:
Find a topic that is specific, excites you, and you could talk for hours about.
Plan several hours of content for your one hour class (the classic mistake is to plan for an hour and run out of material in 15 minutes.)
Bring props for them to look at like sheet music, instruments, photos…
Make a hand-out that participants can take with them to explore on their own once the class is over.
Listen to your students. Find out what they know and let them share their experiences with others.
Don’t worry about getting through your whole batch of prepared content. It is better finish seeming like you have much more to cover than to be out of things to say on the topic.
Good luck,
Abuteague
# Posted on April 12th 2006 by abuteague
Re: Teaching
I didn't think of props or handouts, and, since I am a photographer
as well, or better than being a musician, I think you have made some
really smart suggestions that will make it easier for to add some value
to the class. I don't have any problem with teaching, it's just that I feel
it is a big responsibility to and I hate to screw it up.
Thanks Abu....
WB
# Posted on April 13th 2006 by wvwhistler
Re: Teaching
When I consider how much I have to learn, I am humbled. I also do not feel qualified to teach. As you say, it is a big responsibility. I keep saying to myself, maybe after I master this, or I learn that... I could put the idea of teaching off for a long long time.
On the other hand, its important that people teach music. You have a chance to share with people your enthusiasm for music.
Worst case, you teach your heart out and they don't take anything away from your workshop, no harm done.
Consider though if someone leaves your workshop deciding that it is time to take up and instrument and get lessons somewhere. Or maybe they used to play, but quit and now they want to get started again. You have made the world a better place and improved their quality of life.
No one is going to teach just like you. You will connect deeply with some people and not so much with others. Who is to say what will come of it? I imagine only good.
You will become a better teacher as you develop experience. Not only that, you might even reconnect with what excites you about music in the first place. I think it is worth doing and you should be applauded for your efforts.
abuteague
# Posted on April 13th 2006 by abuteague
Re: Teaching
If your intention is to get people interested in the idea of making music together in the traditional way, why not do just that (ie, get them playing together)? I've experienced quite a few workshops where people have talked to us about the music but we punters don't get to join in and it's pretty frustrating - ie is your message, and what you actually do with the group, congruent?
# Posted on April 18th 2006 by Mark Harmer
Re: Teaching
PS sounds like you've got a great approach to it - and if you're feeling brave, why not just ask the group what they'd like to learn about?
# Posted on April 18th 2006 by Mark Harmer