Observation #4

I'm a bit at a loss as to what to write for today's observation. The rehearsal today was taken up mainly by a few long, drawn out stories that didn't relate at all to the material. So I guess I have a question of philosophy.

Do we teach to teach music or do we teach to teach people? I know that I used that specific word 4 times in that statement but it was well worth it. I'm having a bit of an internal debate over this subject. In my mind, I want an excellent product. I want my students to learn about music, about singing, and have the classroom be a skill based class. It has tangible results and it seems to be validated by the idea that we need to actually "teach" something.

At the same time, I feel the need to sometimes tell stories like what happened today, just to get through to the students. I wouldn't go so far as to say that we should talk about random things and hold a pseudo-fireside chat every week, but I think there needs to be a bit of a human element in there. The students are partially there for you as the teacher. Is that because they like your personality? Or your teaching style? Or the way you run a rehearsal?

Depending on the type of student, you'll draw different populations dependent on which area you focus. Is there a balance? Is there one that will draw both populations and grow your program to the fullest? It you focus one, you'll obviously get the population that resonates with our values and vice versa. If you find a balance, though, is it possible that you'll get less of both because they will be bored when you are in the "other mood?" It's an interesting debate.