Self doubt......hm-mm-mm. Something most all of us can struggle with from time to time, in so many ways. I have been greatly enjoying doing some remote drawing classes with my son Tom, a high school art teacher in Bethesda, MD. I have, however, been feeling unsure of myself, critical of the results I see on the page. So, I had a bit of an"Ah Ha" moment watching a video that Tom sent and INSISTED that I watch (he asks his students to watch!) I am so glad that I did, as it was both inspiring and motivating. Although this video seems to pertain more to visual art creation, I kept thinking how it is positively apropos to piano study! I link it here with a nod to my son; please do watch it yourself! Continuing to think along the lines of motivation, I spent time this week watching a webinar produced by the Frances Clark Center, and given by the wonderful piano pedagogue, Marvin Blickenstaff. His discussion was on planning for teaching at the Intermediate level, and he made many wonderful suggestions, but one of the most poignant to me was his comment that we, teacher and student, need to discuss "Expression" in music. Marvin made a point to say that "We study music, we study the piano for the sake of expressing what it means to be a human being." Music is expression - this is the most important concept for musicians to understand.
Please ponder, and then see my blog for September 13 to learn what the pianist, composer, and teacher Seymour Bernstein says about motivation! Dear students, I appreciate and applaud your efforts, you may always be certain of that!
Please ponder, and then see my blog for September 13 to learn what the pianist, composer, and teacher Seymour Bernstein says about motivation! Dear students, I appreciate and applaud your efforts, you may always be certain of that!
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