Comments on: Music Performance and Music Education - Can I perform and teach?

By: sditullio

sditullio — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:04:41 +0000

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

By: John Wilborn

John Wilborn — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:28:31 +0000

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

By: Ken Pendergrass

Ken Pendergrass — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:57:08 +0000

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!

By: Chad Criswell

Chad Criswell — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:25:08 +0000

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.