What We Learn Along the Way-Thompson

Ryan Zimmerman
Music 23241
September 21, 2011

What We Learn Along the Way

 

                   "Experience is the very best teacher." This is the first statement Thompson makes in this article and it is a very fitting for the interviews in this article.  Thompson asked several veteran teachers what they wish they would have known earlier and how that information made them a better teacher today. Roy Holder, Anthony Gibson and Anthony Pursell all mention how the relationships you build with students, parents, administrators and even custodians can help you grow as an educator. Charles Menghini has four main concepts he likes to use, which are not rushing to any judgement, selecting appropriate music for students, knowing what you can and can not fix in rehearsal, and putting yourself in their shoes first. Joseph Manfredo believes in establishing a network and professional relationships with experienced and new music educators . Scott Casagrande is a believer in individual assessment because it helps a student grow as a performer and helps them live up to the standards you have for them.

 

              I have been very fortunate to have made relationships with multiple veteran teachers. They share their own tricks of the trade. The information that these teachers talk about is very similar to what I hear about all of the time. Their experience speaks for itself and it makes me realize how important it is that I really do pay attention to what they have to say. One lesson that I have heard over and over and over again is to treat your teaching peers with respect but more importantly the custodial and behind the scenes staff. Thankfully I am smart enough to know that these people and the connections will allow me to take my first steps into the teaching world, successfully.

           I really have to agree with what these teachers and Thompson have to say in this article. They really do make valid points that we should all be mindful of. Some of these are coming to me faster than others but i know that even my weaknesses could be come strengths. One of the tips i agree with the most, and have the hardest times with, is dealing with parents successfully.  I realize they are important because they are the funding, support, and partially the future of any program. These people remind me why I do what I do on a daily basis and they are helping me become a better person.

Thomson, John. (2010). What we learn along the way. The Instrumentalist, 64 (9), 26-30 & 54-55.