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Friday, March 23, 2012
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Monday, March 12, 2012
Conundrum
Since I was small one of the main motivating phrases in the public school (especially in the study of music) was that if I don't do my job [well] there were at least three or four people waiting and wanting to do it for me. Especially as we begin to deal with large music programs in which three or even four ensembles of the same medium (choir, band, orchestra, etc.) operate simultaneously this phrase becomes the norm. Even if it's not spoken, it's understood. Do your job well (actually, better than well, because anybody can do a job well), or be replaced.
What a destructive motto.
If every individual is unique, doesn't every individual have something unique to offer? Why is our accepted motivation so negative and incredibly stressful? We reach problems, of course. Some people need stronger motivation than others. But what about a motivation that appeals to the unique contribution of each member? Let's talk music (because this is what I know). Every good ensemble will be characteristic from each other. If an ensemble is a collective whole, and each ensemble is made up of unique individuals working together, then each ensemble should be a unique entity. So the Chicago Symphony has a different sound/interpretation/etc. than the New York Philharmonic. This doesn't make either one of them wrong; rather it makes them musically interesting.
Similarly, high school and college (even younger) ensembles should have their distinct personalities, guided and crafted by a caring conductor. How do we motivate students? By revealing their potential. Johnny has something unique to offer the ensemble from Sally, and both contribute specifically and necessarily. We inspire them to develop their gifts (talent is a conversation for later; for now, a gift is education, hard work, and passion) so that they can contribute the absolute best they can to create an ensemble that is truly special. Telling them that they need to do well or be replaced by somebody who cares more than they do does nothing more than stress them out as they try to fit themselves into some sort of imaginary and impossible ideal. The greats should be an inspiration, not a mold to be fitted into.
The questions about competition are difficult ones to answer. Certainly competition has its merits and its place. However, there is a price that is too high, and I think that price is often called for at the expense of too many young musicians.
By the way, listen to this.
What a destructive motto.
If every individual is unique, doesn't every individual have something unique to offer? Why is our accepted motivation so negative and incredibly stressful? We reach problems, of course. Some people need stronger motivation than others. But what about a motivation that appeals to the unique contribution of each member? Let's talk music (because this is what I know). Every good ensemble will be characteristic from each other. If an ensemble is a collective whole, and each ensemble is made up of unique individuals working together, then each ensemble should be a unique entity. So the Chicago Symphony has a different sound/interpretation/etc. than the New York Philharmonic. This doesn't make either one of them wrong; rather it makes them musically interesting.
Similarly, high school and college (even younger) ensembles should have their distinct personalities, guided and crafted by a caring conductor. How do we motivate students? By revealing their potential. Johnny has something unique to offer the ensemble from Sally, and both contribute specifically and necessarily. We inspire them to develop their gifts (talent is a conversation for later; for now, a gift is education, hard work, and passion) so that they can contribute the absolute best they can to create an ensemble that is truly special. Telling them that they need to do well or be replaced by somebody who cares more than they do does nothing more than stress them out as they try to fit themselves into some sort of imaginary and impossible ideal. The greats should be an inspiration, not a mold to be fitted into.
The questions about competition are difficult ones to answer. Certainly competition has its merits and its place. However, there is a price that is too high, and I think that price is often called for at the expense of too many young musicians.
By the way, listen to this.
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