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What's it take?
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Glenn Roberts View Drop Down
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Posts: 1137 		  Quote Glenn Roberts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: What's it take?
    Posted: 30 Jan 2008 at 09:28
I entered into this discussion the other day with one of my sophmores who is considering going to college to become a music educator.

What strengths, personality traits, etc. do you feel are needed to make a teacher? What was it about that one teacher who sticks out in your mind? How much do you feel a person's level of musicianship has to do with it?

As with the other (music selection) thread, I'll hold off my own thoughts for a bit... I'm really interested to see what others think.
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in Nature...Life is either daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller[
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John Sheets View Drop Down
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Posts: 891 		  Quote John Sheets Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2008 at 09:34
I'm looking at this from the student's point of view since I can't speak on it with any degree of education from a teacher's point of view!
 
He/She must be patient above just about everything!
He/She must try to be understanding.
He/She must remain relevent! (I had a teacher who never left the 60's and we were in the 80's)
He/She must know the subject material well!
He/She must find a way to make the subject material interesting for the class.
He/She must find a way to communicate to every child on every level without exception.
He/She must find a way to bring out the passion in His/Her students.
 
These are some of the things that come to my mind when thinking about those teachers that I hold in high regard from my youth. I realize that they are very general but I'd think that could easily be applied.
"Trombones; damn it! Not breaking that musical phrase is far more important then your having to breath! - Jim Skura director of my community band.
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Jason Royal View Drop Down
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Posts: 317 		  Quote Jason Royal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2008 at 15:57
I have never meet a good band director that is/was patient!
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Posts: 132 		  Quote Derek Hopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2008 at 23:32
a love of music and a love of kids.
The creative impulse makes its own technique.....and that is the greatest art (Krishnamurti)
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Posts: 313 		  Quote Michael Chapple Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jan 2008 at 15:58
Patience
A good ability to communicate ideas
Patience
A knowledge of the music they will be working with
Patience
The ability to put up with parents, most of whom will not understand what you are doing.
 
Something I try to get into the heads of any of my students who would like to teach (in any form) is that they won't get financially rich, but that you do run the risk of getting some incredibly rich rewards when a student plays to a whole new level, or shows some understanding that is way beyond their years. The feeling you get when one of your students plays a solo on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall is something that money CANNOT buy (trust me on this).
"Be a musician first, a genius later."
Manny
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Posts: 115 		  Quote Matt Fields Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2008 at 21:46
- Must realize that you don't know everything.  In fact, at first, you probably know very little.
- Must realize that your real education is not in college.  It only begins once you have the job.
- Must accept that your first, second, and maybe even third jobs have the possiblity to be nothing like the schools you interned in.
- Must be able to deal with adversity in a calm manner (my personal Achilles' heel).  In 2008, the old-school tyrant approach just doesn't work anymore.
- Must be passionate about helping others to love/appreciate music and be willing to put in the necessary time.
Matt
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Glenn Roberts View Drop Down
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Posts: 1137 		  Quote Glenn Roberts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2008 at 22:14
All of what's ben said so far.

In addition, I might add: a strong desire to be the best musician you can be. As a teacher, you are the model for future musicians. If you cannot and do not pursue the highest standard possible for you, then your students will never, either. Strong organizational skills (admittedly, a major weakness for me... I'm working on it). An understanding that a failure means an opportunity to try a different solution. Passion. In the words of my conducting teacher, the compassion and understanding of a saint and a touch of steel (I'd add a touch of humor, too). A good singing voice. A love for kids.
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in Nature...Life is either daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller[
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Matt Fields View Drop Down
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Posts: 115 		  Quote Matt Fields Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2008 at 22:28
Originally posted by Glenn Roberts

All of what's ben said so far.

In addition, I might add: a strong desire to be the best musician you can be. As a teacher, you are the model for future musicians. If you cannot and do not pursue the highest standard possible for you, then your students will never, either. 

***

A good singing voice.


Agreed, 100%!!  When I was in college, I didn't think these things were very important; however, now that I'm out in the field, I'm seeing that they are necessary skills.  I didn't think that being able to prepare a recital was important, but that level of detail is exactly what it takes to make a band sound good.  I slacked on my sight singing assignments and now there are days that I really wish I could sing any part that in my score.  I also wish I could fluently play the piano.
Matt
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Glenn Roberts View Drop Down
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Posts: 1137 		  Quote Glenn Roberts Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Feb 2008 at 08:45
Originally posted by Matt Fields


...I also wish I could fluently play the piano.


Me too. I pretty much blew it off in college. I regret that now.
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in Nature...Life is either daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller[
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Posts: 317 		  Quote Jason Royal Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Feb 2008 at 10:15

 

 

Organizational skills, in depth knowledge of finance, grants, fundraising, how to manage inventory, etc….

Musical/self awareness, willingness to grown and learn, self evaluate and adjust.

People/leadership skills

In depth knowledge of music and style

no ego.
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