November 10, 2011
The Bulletin
Page 5
‘JOY BROUGHT ME HERE‘ Director of prep studies in the Faculty of Music, Mary Hawn
MEET THE DIRECTOR
BY MARIIANNE MAYS WIEBE The Bulletin “Music is an investment with returns that can’t be calculated,” says Mary Hawn, director of preparatory studies in the Faculty of Music. When she speaks, Hawn is animated and sparkling, and her passion for music is clear. She comes from a background in music education and composition, and has played almost every role possible in music. She has performed, composed and taught instrumental and vocal music privately and in the public school system, and musicianship and composition theory through the Royal Conservatory; she has been immersed in church music programs; she’s directed choirs and ensembles; she has composed original music for a variety of different groups; and she has specialized in music work with both children and seniors. What drew her to music as a vocation? Hawn at one point considered other options, such as Mary Hawn, director, preparatory studies, Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music. law and the ministry. “Joy brought me here,” she responds after a pause. “At some point I knew that if I did not pursue music, I would end up with regret at the end of my life.” She says that her mother said to others with their own growth and groundwork of support and nurture she’s someone for whom the details her before her early passing, “I always to contribute to the growth of others for teachers, as often they are matter, she doesn’t sleep much. “forgotten souls,” she says. The U of M alumna (music and knew where you were, because you around them.” In this way, she maintains, the The evident breadth and depth of English) does read a lot, especially were always singing.” The statement h e l p e d h e r t o r e c o g n i z e h e r pursuit of excellence and communal Hawn’s experience and background during those bouts of insomnia. Her predilection for music as something values are not mutually exclusive. is ideal for her current role as melodic speech is peppered with analogy and unexpected words, so that deeply informed her person and “The future is in each and every director. hand,” as she puts it. The prep studies division, as it it’s not surprising that she is an avid identity. “Which doesn’t necessarily The key, she says, is finding a is known, is home to a vast array reader. She reads widely, sometimes translate to giftedness,” she laughs, place in the community for each of music outreach programs that for cultural or pedagogical insight, “just to a heart [for music].” one, no matter where they are operate alongside the Faculty of sometimes for pleasure — a huge A pretty powerful answer, and a sentiment that informs Hawn’s in their individual journey. She Music’s curricula and other events. variety of books, from the classics, to overall understanding of music and points to a sense of “safety and From private lessons to movement- pedagogy and social theory. Education in the broadest sense music education as closely associated welcome” as a necessary foundation through-music classes to a seniors’ for participation. For Hawn it is all choir, from music composition is much the same as music education to the heart and to joy. Her own approach in working about “working with others in terms classes to music theory, and from in her view. It is a credit to “those with others, then, is closely linked of their tendencies, their dreams and world music for children to group who have already contributed” to that understanding. She explains their hopes and helping to manifest fiddling, the array of offerings is vast, and those who are invested, from taxpayers to — in the case of the that her own personal aim is to those through pragmatic steps.” And, and open to the public. Hawn’s job is to organize and Faculty of Music — “the dean who set “facilitate others’ best, so that they she says, “No step is too small.” Asked to name two integral oversee it all. “Bringing the esoteric up the [preparatory studies] division experience joy in what they do. “When one experiences joy,” she elements of music education, Hawn vision down to the pragmatic details as an outreach that would nourish says, “one wants to return, because names “honesty” or “integrity,” and and back again” is how she describes the faculty’s future.” “belief.” As she sees it, teachers her role—and it includes everything Music education, according to it is a well without limit.” embrace the responsibility of helping from writing music for small Hawn, is, in the profoundest sense, The opportunity provided by another human being’s development groups to planning music teachers’ “that which defers a good outcome music, she says, “is both within and and sense of possibility. conferences to setting up the stage for as long as necessary.” without. To ascertain one’s own And there must also be a for student recitals. And because gifts and possibilities, and to help
Hawn: ‘Music is an investment with returns that can't be calculated’
This musical interlude could be yours! Have you ever longed to play the piano, or wished your secret singing in the shower could transform into partipation in a choir? If so, you will want to look into these opportunities. If not for yourself, do it your children; they’ll thank you later. The preparatory studies division at the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music provides music education to the general public through a wide array of private and group programming. Students of “all ages and stages” are welcome. All teachers are highly qualified with performance and pedagogical experience, and lessons are available on the U of M campus as well as throughout the city. Private music lessons are available in piano, organ, harp, acoustic and electric guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, trumpet, flute, piccolo, clarinet, French horn, saxophone and oboe. Group and individual instruction are available in all theoretical subjects, pedagogy, and composition. The division also offers instruction in Jazz, East Indian and Brazilian music. Mary Hawn, program director, and Jenn Shaw,
program assistant, can speak to you in person or via phone or email about your musical interests and goals, and assist in placing you with a teacher who will turn those goals into reality. Prep Studies student recitals are held monthly, and sometimes bi-monthly, on Sunday afternoons from October to June. Recitals take place in Eva Clare Hall. Family and friends are welcome to attend recitals, and all participants are encouraged to stay for the duration of the recital. “Student recitals are a wonderful way to celebrate our students’ musical development, and for students to hear and learn from their peers,” says Hawn. “They are a great performance opportunity in themselves, and can also serve as preparation for a student’s own upcoming music festival class, exam or competition.” There are a wealth of other musical opportunities as well. Prep studies offers many courses and programs, including free master classes which bring in renowned musicians and guest clinicians for personal performance instruction and feedback.
GET THE FACTS NOTES ON THE DIVISION OF MUSIC PREP STUDIES Did you know? •
You can take private lessons in piano, organ, harp, acoustic and electric guitar, voice, and a variety of string and wind instruments
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You can take a Piano Pedagogy Certificate Program, Faculty of Music Theory Entrance Exam Preparation Courses or Music Theory at prep studies
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You can enrol in offerings such as: Musical Theatre, Group Fiddling (!), Flute Ensembles, Awareness Through Movement®, T.I.W. or Tuesdays in Winnipeg, a vocal club for young men ages 15+; or the Joie de Vivre Choir (55+)
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You can enrol your child in private lessons or other courses such as: Baby and Toddler, Music for Children (Orff), World Music, Children’s Chorus, Child & Parent Guitar
Find out more at: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/ music/prep/index.html