The First Part of a New Series: Give Them Tools and Let Them Build is based on a premise. We are not the music makers. Our students are. So, are we teaching them songs? Or the tools used to build songs?
Who is the hardest working person in your classroom? Spoiler alert: it should NOT be the teacher…
In the first part of the series, you get to be a fly on the wall during my recent presentation in New Casatle, PA. It discusses the challenges and pressures faced by choir teachers, and the rational reaction: A need for a shift in teaching philosophy. Or, “updating the operating system.” The focus is on moving away from the traditional “high priest model” where the teacher is the sole source of musical knowledge, to a more student-centered approach. This involves empowering students with tools to learn music independently, such as solfége for pitch and takadimi for rhythm. The host shares personal anecdotes and experiences, highlighting the importance of creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore and solve musical problems on their own. This approach not only reduces teacher burnout but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of music among students.
Tune in, and have your thinking stimulated and challenged. Then, weigh in yourself with your related ideas and experiences on Facebook in the Choralosophers group or over on choralosophy.substack.com Also, don’t forget to grab a reading rope for your classroom wall from the shop! Music Reading Rope
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@choralosophypodca