Music Performance and Music Education - Can I perform and teach?
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Sphere: Related ContentYou went to school to be a “band director” not a “performer.” You mean I have to do both? Well, yes you do. Well first and foremost, you went to college to become a music educator.
A few months back someone asked about how they will stay active as a performer once they start to teach. Well, its difficult at times, but it is possible. For me, I arrive at school an hour early, just to do my daily trumpet warm-ups. It does seem to make for a better day, as I really do enjoy playing. After my hour warm-up, students are already in my room ready for first period. So I get a solid warm-up daily. I play every lesson period that I can (keeps the endurance going) and then try to work on something everyday after school. I try to get a good two hours of practice a day, most days I can do this, but sometimes its not possible.
I’m active in my area as a musician, but where I am located……..there’s not always many playing opportunities. I take everyone performance opportunity that comes my way. I’ve played lead trumpet in the Clarion University Jazz Band, many musicals, a brass quintet, and I’m also a sub for one of the local church praise bands. The church praise band has been one of the most exposing gigs that I get. (Many of my students attend this church, so its been great getting critiqued for Monday mornings.) YES - It is possible to continue performing once you start teaching. The great thing is that some of your students will see you and ask when you are playing/singing again. They really do like to see their teachers in action, not only do we “preach” it to them everyday, but we get to apply it as well.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I even took a lesson over this past summer with David Detwiler, a great trumpet teacher, player, and a great educator. It was a great experience and very encouraging. Make sure to keep your chops up, you never know when you will be asked to play……take every opportunity you can. Remember we encourage our students to perform as often as they can, do the same.
-Scott DiTullio
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January 31st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
After I moved to a new community and switched to teaching elementary band a year and a half ago I found myself really depressed at times because I so missed being able to work with higher level music. In the midst of this funk, I was invited to play trumpet (not my major instrument) in a local wind band called the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble. It was made up of other music educators and community members and directed by a band director at a local private college. Playing in that group made a world of difference for me. It cheered me up immensely even with just the short two hour rehearsal each week. It also had the side benefit of giving me more “prestige” with my students. I put up our concert posters in the band room to let them realize that their old teacher really did practice what he preached.
I highly suggest that every music teacher find a way to participate and refresh their memories on just how fulfilling it can be to play in a professional caliber ensemble.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Scott-
Thanks so much for this encouraging post…I should say “butt kicking” post. I blogged similar sentiments about this as part of my new year’s resolutions here.
We need to be performing and teaching. Thank you for the reminder to keep our chops up!
February 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Joe,
This article is very true for educators. I find that my frustrations, coming out of college, with some vocal issues are now gone. One is the fact that I am bi-vocational. I’ve worked for 25 years as a vocal/choral teacher in K-12. I have in music ministry since 16 and now at the same church since 1983 as music pastor. There have been seasons of extreme vocal use and possible abuse through the years — due to the demands placed on me vocally — not intentional misuse.
I’ve found that through DAILY WARM-UPS in the classroom and with vocalists at church, I have KEPT my voice through the years. My style has changed to a more contemporary voice but still has resonance, flexibility and freshness at 47 years old. I am very appreciative for this. It has been both a prayer of mine and a daily discipline for the most part.
John Maxwell says that it is the added daily difference that make the difference over the long haul.
Who do you know that quit practicing years ago? Where are they today in terms of their skill level?
John Wilborn
February 17th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Thanks for reading and posting everyone. Hopefully everyone will be able to perform at some level once they are in the real world. I know that performing is what helps me stay “fresh” and not get burned out.
Scott DiTullio