Reply to need advice from music teachers or musicians

Forum Index » Schools and Education General Discussion

Reply to "need advice from music teachers or musicians"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]
1. Music teachers don't make a lot of money, unless they have stellar backgrounds and have played for highly selective orchestras or other groups, or in the case of piano, have studied under renowned teachers and won international competitions (also valid for orchestral instruments). Teachers usually have several music jobs, for example, teaching at Levine, maintaining a home studio and occasionally playing for certain groups or in the case of orchestral instruments, being a member of an orchestra and taking students on the side. The mediocre teacher can  make $50/hr on lessons, the principal of a major orchestra $400/hr.

2. The USA does a piss-poor job at educating kids in music. Some European countries like France subsidize local conservatories for after-school music education, where the elementary school kids start off with the three pillars of Western classical music: solfege (music theory), choir and an instrumental lesson.  Which leads to my second point: I hope your child has started music theory and has spent a little while in a choir (since they don't get to be in an orchestra, they need to learn those teamwork skills). Or that they are shortly planning to. This is why inexperienced French music teachers are better able to teach than inexperienced American ones. A great player does not equal a great teacher, there is some serious academic knowledge and culture involved. Or should be! I have not been impressed by the average music teacher here.

3. Next stop: music summer camps (serious ones are usually sleep-away. A good one is Interlochen) and possibly AP music options in high school, or better yet, competitions, travel and recordings.

4. Finally: degree in music from a 4 year college, or music conservatory (push for college if you want a second degree as back-up, or anticipate a change of heart). Gigs around the area or around the world. Possibly Master's in music education, or related. The University of Maryland and Peabody are local stalwarts for that. My children's Strathmore Children's Choir director is getting a PhD in choral conducting. They are coached by someone who has a PhD in Musical Arts in Voice. The junior piano accompanist has a Master's.

This is serious prep, OP. Your child should know what they are getting into. Whenever you're at a concert, read the musician bios. Stay informed, talk to people.
As for the genre question, if they want to branch out, sure. It's a minor detail compared to the work they will have to put in to achieve excellence in technique, expression, rhythm, music theory and overall music culture (buy them a history of classical music for Christmas).
[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics