Why do we enjoy listening to the radio? Going to concerts? Singing traditional songs with family and friends? Dancing? Taking music lessons?
Music appreciation, for many of us, feels like a very natural and integral part of life. It may not be something we think about very often. But sometimes, for example when we’re learning or teaching music, it’s helpful to examine what it is about music that speaks to us as an individual.
What is it about music that drew us to lessons in the first place? What is the main thing (or things) that we would like to learn? What is our favourite part of the lesson? How can we emphasise these things in our lessons, or when we practice? How can we nurture this feeling of joy, and balance this with learning the more technical skills that are part of the vehicle for this joy? These are questions to keep in mind as a teacher, but also for students to keep in mind when they’re practising at home.
Nurturing joy could mean warming up with your favourite song that you learned ages ago but still enjoy playing. Maybe it’s finishing each practice session playing along or improvising while you listen to your favourite band. Maybe it’s making time to work on a composition. Maybe it’s adding a student’s favourite game to their lesson every week.
I’ve included a questionnaire that will help get the conversation started and pinpoint what sparks musical joy for you or your students.
Happy music making!
Songbird Music 