"… Music should be a part of a child's upbringing, and it aids them not only in other areas of education, but also contributes to their make-up of being 'well-rounded' individuals in life. It introduces them to cultural values that many children of today miss out on throughout their entire lives”.
(from the letter of Barbara V., a mother of Classya students).
Why Study Music
Comprehensive music education goes beyond basic instruction in theory and technique. Music appreciation, knowledge of history and great composers, styles and genres is equally important. Learning to analyze and express thoughts “contributes to their make-up of being 'well-rounded' individuals in life”.
Appreciation is where I would like to place an accent. One great musician said, "Only a genius can fully understand a genius". I would rephrase: one who has tried to create something (a piece of art or music) can be able to fully appreciate the talent and hard work of others.
As teachers, our mission is to enrich lives and to preserve the art to which we have dedicated our lives.
The Benefits and the Goals
Music lives in the soul, and it inspires us and influences our feelings and imagination. Deeper understanding of music brings enjoyment to a higher level, and, for some people, the study of music can become a life-changing experience.
The ultimate goal is to learn to play “Music, not the instrument” (Anonymous), which fulfills students' creative potential, whether they study for a profession or for a hobby — and what can be a better hobby than playing great music?
All students work to achieve quality performance so that even the simplest composition sounds beautiful. It is the pace and intensity that differ principally between professional and amateur studies.
With every student, we plan a balanced, individualized program. With enthusiasm, diligence, and cooperation, excellent results can be achieved.
A Continuous Endeavor
In his “Advice to Young Musicians,” composer Robert Schumann wrote: “There is no end of learning. We should need to live a hundred lives only to become acquainted with the best works that exist.”. He lived over 180 years ago. How many hundreds of lives should we need to live now?
A student and teacher begin their journey together, for the student to eventually continue on his own. Intrinsic motivation — curiosity, and the “I can do it” concept empowers us at every step. Extrinsic motivation, in the form of performance or merit events, builds character and an attitude toward higher achievements.
We view recitals as lessons of a special kind: to communicate through music, to practice poise and stage presence, and to develop compassion and respect for other players.
Exposure to Arts Beyond the Studio
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” J. W. von Goethe
We live in a technological world driven by convenience. Despite parents' efforts to monitor the gadget issue, children have plenty of screen time. Paradoxically, the easy access to the world treasury of music and arts does not seem to raise cultural awareness of youth.
Fewer books are read, fewer museums are attended, and, as many parents complain, with lower interest. Listening to music examples on an iPad or a phone can fill the gap, but a live concert experience is irreplaceable.
There are many great offerings on the performing arts scene in our area, in a variety of genres.
Plan to attend 2-3 concerts per year: a classical solo, a symphony or a choral performance, folk or jazz, ballet, circus or Broadway.
Family philharmonic or outdoor summer concerts – there is something for every age.
Music is a lifestyle.
Asya Mirvis
