Collaboration

Recently a friend wrote on my facebook wall that I would like my new classroom facilities at Fairview Elementary. If you have ever been in my classroom, you know that the facility does not matter to me. I like having space, of course, but I generally prefer to hear great musical results from my students.

Facilities do not create results. Musical results are created by collaborative efforts between students and teacher. The teacher must ask and students must perform. Then students and teachers must evaluate. The great teacher is a facilitator who listens and advises, constantly shaping musical efforts until they develop into pleasurable experiences for performers and later, listeners.

Like running marathons, music making doesn't just happen. It occurs through deliberate planning and actions. Those who are having difficulties learning, must listen to those who are more capable. Thereby learning how to perform a new work. Like runners, students and teachers must know our limitations and build from there.

For many runners, a 12 minute mile is fast enough for now. For many musicians, a simple unison selection performed well is preferable to a more complex piece that is badly presented. Like runners, collaborative musicians must work within our limitations to achieve true musicality.

So you see my new facility won't matter. What will matter, however, is the musical collaboration that will occur in that beautiful new room. Besides, if you know me, neatness doesn't count as much as musical achievement. Beethoven believed that too!! He was one messy, musical German!!!