Hello, World! This is my first blog post! Like Julie Andrew’s gentle persuasion in the song, “Do-Re-Mi,” — let’s start at the very beginning. Beginning this blog made me think about why and how I became a music teacher. And I might not have made it as a musician, but an inspiring music teacher saved me!
Listening to Music Inspired My Interest in Playing Music
Promenade Records released Bilko Marches in 1958.
Music has been an essential part of my life for a long time — like breathing. One summer when I was seven or eight, I drove my parents nuts by constantly playing the only record we had in our house, Bilko Marches. The album cover featured a grinning Phil Silvers, but I never saw the television show Sgt. Bilko, until recently.
I loved the spirited tempos and the optimistic whistling on the first track, “River Kwai.” The sonority of the band drew me in. Playing that record over and over was the first and last thing I did every day. (Fun Fact: The marches “River Kwai” and “Colonel Bogey” were composed by Malcolm Arnold for the film score to “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”)
Experiencing Live Music Added to the Fire
Experiencing a live marching band at a parade later that summer increased my desire to play an instrument. My mother was also very keen that I play an instrument in the band, like my older siblings. I remember feeling excited when we went to the band recruitment meeting and I saw all the possible band instruments. But the rental of an instrument was not financially feasible for our family. Yet, miraculous forces conspired to place a student clarinet in my hands. I am very grateful to my oldest sister who purchased that used Vito clarinet for me!
But for all my enthusiasm for music, my start in the fourth-grade band program was unexceptional. Maybe I was too immature. Maybe I found the group lessons intimidating. But sadly, nothing was happening musically. My mother sacrificed so I could have some private clarinet lessons. Still, I wasn’t learning. I couldn’t read beginning level music. I couldn’t play with any resemblance to the tone of an actual clarinet. Alas, I didn’t practice or really want to, so lessons stopped. Yet, inside I knew I still wanted to play.
Then when I was in sixth grade, we moved. I am so grateful for that fateful move to a nicer community where I could walk to school without being threatened. I made some lifelong friends, too. I enrolled in band, but I still couldn’t read music or keep a beat. And I played the “air horn,” not the clarinet!
A Miraculous, Inspiring Teacher Saved Me!
An amazing teacher entered my life, who in many ways, saved me. This man directed the junior high band program in our school district. But he also taught everyone in private lessons. He made a point to help anyone who was struggling and telephoned parents directly to talk about the need for private lessons. That personal contact made all the difference for me. That teacher made sure I learned to keep a beat, read music correctly, play my instrument well and more importantly, he inspired myself and many others to practice and embrace the joy of music!
What Made This Teacher Inspiring and How Was I Motivated?
In a word, I was empowered to read and play music on my own. I remember these features that helped me:
- Clear explanations with specific weekly and longer term goals in lesson assignments
- Steady foot tapping to become aware of even down and upbeats
- A simple system of writing counting on all the music. There was a variety of rhythms.
- There was structure in assignments, lessons, and rehearsals
- I became responsible for my practicing by keeping a practice record that my parents had to sign each week.
- Sound method books, with suggested techniques for the studies and etudes.
- Supplemental material in private lessons. This included duets, solos, chamber pieces and popular music.
- Everyone in the band program and taking private lessons participated in a mandatory student recital. This program featured all the students in solos and chamber pieces, according to the student’s level. And the teacher accompanied everyone on the piano.
- I was motivated in the band program to practice more because of a system of earning points. We received points for playing scales, learning our music, passing theory tests, attending concerts and other music activities. (But points were deducted for misbehavior or forgetting instruments or music.) The reward for each level of achievement was a shiny medal, which was proudly worn on the band uniform. It was fun and appropriately competitive.
- All the students were always received with enthusiasm and sincere encouragement!
The Fire Was Lit!
This was a teacher I did not want to disappoint. I was thrilled when I finally understood how to read rhythms and could figure out music on my own! Practicing the clarinet and saxophone, and participating in live music performances were the most important part of all my days. I felt like I belonged someplace and playing music every day gave me incredible joy! This teacher became the most important teacher in my life. He empowered me to pursue my dream of studying music.
After retiring from public school he went on to establish an extremely successful Youth Band program for students in 6-8 grades. This is entirely a volunteer effort on his part, too! And happily, for me, this most important teacher is still a mentor and friend. (And hopefully, someone who will be in a feature interview for the site!)
So that’s the beginning of how I ended up as a musician. It’s part of the reason I believe it is so important for other musicians and music teachers to work to inspire others to love music and create opportunities for them to experience music. Playing and studying music greatly enhances the quality of life and improves our cognitive abilities. I believe music is so incredibly important for all of civilization. Hence, I dedicate this website to inspiring people to love music and to those that want to inspire others to embrace and experience the joy of music.
Keep music in your heart!
Susan