This is part 2b in the lecture I gave at the KMTA conference in June. In this segment, I talk ways in which we unknowingly discourage composition and creativity in our students. Please continue with the series by watching 2c where I talk about ways to encourage composition!
If you need to review:
Part 1 – Composition for Kids: Why Teach Composition
Part 2a – Composition for Kids: Composers as Students
Part 2b – Composition for Kids: How Are We Discouraging Creativity & Composition?
Part 2c – Composition for Kids: How to Encourage Creativity and Composition
Part 2d – Composition for Kids: How to Encourage Creativity and Composition cont.
Part 2e – Composition for Kids: How to Encourage Creativity and Composition cont.
Part 3 – Relating Theory to Composition
Part 4 – Developing the Ear
Part 5 – What to do with the Budding Composer
#1 by Jennifer - June 25th, 2009 at 10:43
Another great one- great reminders for things we easily forget. I’m loving these Wendy!
#2 by Janet Lanier - June 25th, 2009 at 13:26
This was great. Makes us all think of how we can better encourage others. If we could just allow ourselves to step off the “plan” for the day and seize the moment with the student, who knows what door we could open for that young composer/performer. Thanks for bringing these points up.
#3 by Kevin Costley - June 29th, 2009 at 15:19
Wendy,
These ideas are very good and much-needed in workshops for teachers. I believe we need to have a revolution in piano teaching. We need to adopt the belief that we are more than ‘just’ piano teachers. Our ultimate goal is to turn out creative musicians who develop musicianship through their “ears”, not just by their “eyes.” When a young child, my teacher allowed me to do just that! Kevin Costley (FJH writer)
#4 by Wendy - June 30th, 2009 at 08:18
Very true! Training “functional musicians” is much broader than many teachers might think. And yet, it is probably easier than some teachers think as well.
#5 by amy - June 30th, 2009 at 19:43
Thanks for sharing this!
#6 by Susan Paradis - July 5th, 2009 at 07:43
Very well said, Wendy.
How many of us compose in spite of our musical training?
I decided a few years ago to encourage student doodling and what I call messing around on the piano. The results have been extremely rewarding. Now they can’t wait to play something new they have dreamed up.
Who knows, with web sites like yours we may have a new generation of improvisers as in past centuries.
#7 by Wendy - July 6th, 2009 at 13:23
I sure hope so! That would be a dream come true. You are among the many teachers that report amazing results when they allow their students to use their creativity in their piano lesson. Thanks so much for all you YOUR contributions through your blog: