Striking the Right Note: Balancing Person-Centric Teaching and Musical Education

To my fellow music educators:

In the pursuit of nurturing young talents and shaping the musicians of tomorrow, you play a pivotal role that extends far beyond imparting musical knowledge. The delicate balance between teaching people first and music second can sometimes leave you questioning whether you're striking the right chord. This insecurity, stemming from prioritizing musical achievements over personal growth, is more common than you might think. In this heartfelt message, let's explore the importance of embracing this approach and how it ultimately enriches both your students and your journey as educators.

1. A Holistic Approach to Education:

It's perfectly natural to have concerns about focusing too much on the "person" rather than the music. However, understand that the foundation of any great musician lies in their character and values. By nurturing qualities like discipline, empathy, and resilience, you're not only shaping future artists but also well-rounded individuals capable of navigating life's complexities.

2. Cultivating Lifelong Learners:

Music is a vessel through which knowledge and creativity flow, but it's crucial to remember that your role extends beyond the classroom. By teaching people first, you're sowing the seeds of curiosity and lifelong learning. These are qualities that will serve your students well as they continue to explore and adapt to new challenges in both music and life.

3. Overcoming Insecurity with Impactful Outcomes:

The feeling of not "teaching enough music" due to focusing on personal development is understandable. However, the beauty lies in the transformative impact you're creating. When you instill values, self-expression, and emotional growth, you're shaping musicians who can truly connect with their audience on a deeper level, making your efforts resonate in their lives and experiences.

4. Celebrating Diversity and Unity:

In a world where diversity is paramount, your focus on teaching the person first contributes to a harmonious learning environment. By valuing individuality, you're fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity that transcends musical notes. The unity that stems from embracing differences enhances the collective learning experience.

5. Empowering Through Well-being:

As educators, you're not just imparting knowledge; you're also nurturing well-being. Music has the power to heal and uplift, and by prioritizing the person, you're teaching your students to harness the therapeutic benefits of music, promoting their mental, emotional, and physical health.

In conclusion, remember that your journey as a music educator is an extraordinary one, rich with opportunities to impact lives. Whilst the balance between teaching people first and music second may feel delicate, it's this very balance that enables you to mold individuals who will go on to create beautiful music and make a positive mark on the world. Embrace the insecurities as signs of your commitment to holistic education, and trust that you're shaping more than just musicians – you're shaping futures.

To your musical (and human) success,

Joao Figueiredo

The 10 Things You Should Never Tell Your Kids When They're Struggling with Practice

(read this, even if you don't have kids!)

As parents, our role extends beyond providing food and shelter; we are also instrumental in nurturing our children's self-esteem, motivation, and overall growth. While it's natural to want to support and encourage them through challenges, the words we choose can have a profound impact on their mindset and development. In this blog post, we'll explore two sides of the coin—negative remarks and seemingly positive yet harmful comments—that we should avoid when our kids are struggling with practice. We'll also provide constructive alternatives that pave the way for a healthier and more positive learning environment.

Negative Remarks:

1. Harmful: "You're just not cut out for this."

Helpful: "Every skill takes time to master. Keep practicing, and you'll improve."

2. Harmful: "Why can't you do it like [someone else]?"

Helpful: "You have your unique strengths. Let's work on improving at your own pace."

3. Harmful: "You're not trying hard enough."

Helpful: "I can see you're putting in effort. Let's find strategies to make it easier."

4. Harmful: "You're embarrassing yourself."

Helpful: "Mistakes are part of learning. Let's figure out what went wrong and how to fix it."

5. Harmful: "You'll never get any better."

Helpful: "Progress might be slow, but you're making strides. Keep up the good work."

Seemingly Positive Yet Harmful Comments:

6. Harmful: "You're so talented, you should find this easy!"

Helpful: "Even the most talented individuals face challenges. Your effort will lead to progress."

7. Harmful: "You're the best at this; why are you struggling?"

Helpful: "Struggles are part of everyone's journey. Let's work through this together."

8. Harmful: "You're smarter than this; figure it out."

Helpful: "Problem-solving takes time. Let's break it down step by step."

9. Harmful: "You're a perfectionist; this should be perfect."

Helpful: "Perfection isn't the goal. Let's focus on progress and learning."

10. Harmful: "You have to excel at everything; keep pushing."

Helpful: "It's okay to struggle. Let's embrace challenges as opportunities."

When our children are facing challenges, our words can either be a powerful source of encouragement or a deterrent to their growth. Instead of using negative language that demotivates and discourages, or seemingly positive phrases that create unrealistic expectations, let's choose constructive language that emphasizes the importance of effort, progress, and learning from mistakes. By fostering a positive attitude towards challenges, we empower our kids to approach difficulties with resilience and a growth-oriented mindset, setting them on a path towards lifelong learning and personal development.

PS: You don't have kids, you say? No problem. Use the information above and apply it to yourself when you're practicing! Be supportive, not harmful. Remember, that voice in your head saying mean things to you only needs some love. ;)

The Practical Power of Learning Music Notation

Have you ever felt like deciphering a musical code while looking at sheet music? Learning music notation is like cracking that code and gaining access to a world of musical treasures. Whether you're starting out or an experienced musician, understanding music notation can profoundly impact your musical journey.

**1. Clear Communication**

Music notation is the language all musicians understand. It bridges cultural gaps, letting musicians communicate across borders. Like reading a map to explore new places, reading sheet music introduces you to compositions from various genres and eras.

**2. Accuracy and Precision**

Think of music notation as a recipe for your favorite dish. It provides exact ingredients and instructions for the musical experience. This precision ensures that the piece is played as intended, preserving its authenticity.

**3. Room for Creativity**

While structured, music notation leaves space for creativity. Like a coloring book with guidelines, it lets you infuse your style. As you grasp the basics, you can compose, arrange, and bring your musical ideas to life.

**4. Lifelong Learning**

Learning music notation is an evolving skill. From beginner scales to intricate compositions, it's a journey that deepens your understanding. It's a path of continuous growth, expanding your grasp of music theory.

**5. Seamless Collaboration**

In group performances, music notation acts as a shared script. It facilitates collaboration, ensuring musicians sync effortlessly. Whether a jam session or orchestra performance, music notation keeps everyone on track.

**6. Classical Exploration**

Classical music boasts timeless gems that shaped the art. Music notation lets you access this treasure trove. From Beethoven to Bach, you can explore and interpret classical works, delving into music's history.

**7. Elevating Your Journey**

Whether you're a pianist, guitarist, or vocalist, mastering music notation enhances your musical path. It equips you to play intricate pieces, compose, and deeply connect with your art.

In your musical journey, learning music notation is the key that unlocks melodies waiting to be heard. Grab your sheet music, dive in, and start translating those notes into magic. Your musical adventure starts now.

**References**:

1. Gerou, Tom, and Linda Lusk. *Essential Dictionary of Music Notation*. Alfred Music, 1996.

2. Phillips, Mark. *Music Notation: A Manual of Modern Practice*. Berklee Press, 2011.