sM continued...teColumn

will often be forgotten by tomorrow. We must never lose site of the role music has and still is destined to play within our society. Most importantly, we must not allow the gift of music to diminish within the minds and hearts of our society.

6. Process is more important than the final product.

Don’t let the final product, or concert, become the only goal. Remember what productive lessons have been gained through your excellent preparation. Transform your performances into evidence for the fact that excellent education took place.

7. Use music to make good people; don’t use people to make good music.

Be sure to always put the person ahead of the program. Remember that we are in the business of developing good people, and it is difficult to fail if we are constantly putting the best interests of our students first.

It is my hope that sharing a bit of what I have personally experienced on my own path might inspire you to make learning more inspirational in the classroom. I came upon this quote many years ago, and, although I am unaware of its origin, reflecting on its content has always given me great assurance and comfort:

Teaching music is all about transmitting a passion for music and the art of music making to our students. If a student catches the fire of our musical torch and carries it a bit further and a bit higher than we have gone before, we will both stand on higher ground.

Now, let the inspiration begin!