Nurturing the next generation of music makers.(In Unison)

It inevitably happens--I go to a doctor or the dental hygienist who see on my chart that I am a pianist; or a plumber comes to my home and sees my piano--their stories then unfold. Eight-five percent of the time the story is a negative one. The "Rhymes with Orange" cartoon on this page, while funny, reflects some of the angst that is often associated with these past lesson experiences.

For almost every music teacher, having a student become a concert artist is a rarity. Why then do so many of us make that our initial goal for every student that walks in the door? Perhaps we need to rethink exactly what it is that we teach. It may be that learning to sing or play an instrument is only the tip of the iceberg.

Of course, I want my students to play well and am constantly challenging them to raise their standards, to develop their technique to be able to express whatever the music demands and to broaden their interpretive skills to create a sound palette that communicates the composer's intentions. Just as importantly, I hope they love their lessons, enjoy making music and feel confident in their performing abilities and problem solving skills.

Here lies the challenge: as teachers we are constantly balancing the desire for high musical standards while also attending to a student's psychological and physical needs. On occasion, teachers' egos can become so tied to their students' successes that it makes it difficult for them to be sympathetic toward a student having difficulties in achieving the level expected.

Years ago I saw an article in Running & FitNews, a newsletter from the American Running and Fitness Association, that focused on ways to excite children about fitness. The ideas easily correlate to music study. The article states, "What turns children on: having fun, feeling successful, playing with peers, sharing experiences with family, experiencing a variety of activities, having an enthusiastic coach [teacher], and feeling that an active lifestyle [music] is their choice. What turns ...