by Mins Music » Wed Mar 17, 2004 6:18 pm
I understand a professional musician is one who gets paid to perform? Is this your understanding lalla? In this sense, No, I am not a professional musican, I don't get paid to give professional piano recitals.
Here in Australia it is very common for musically trained people (I've had a lot of different teachers over the years, I've been playing since I was eight) to decide to teach only. In our culture this is very accepted and respected. Of course, there are also professional performers (concert pianists) who also teach. Their passion is performing though. My passion is teaching. I'm sure there are those out there who LOVE doing both.
My qualifications are hanging up in my studio for all to see. (I've framed them both) I've never been asked what they are, because parents can see them. I have been asked how long I've been teaching (10 years - i.e. privately) and what my experience is (taught individually ages 5 through to 67, group work, workshops, courses, exam entrants ... then class room teaching , both in primary schools and high schools).
In Australia, you need to do a four year university degree to teach in public schools. (although things are now beginning to change - people just aren't choosing to be teachers over here anymore) .
I did a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Drama and Music, and a Graduate Diploma of Education.
The first three years concentrate on WHAT you'll teach - technique, composers, all theory, history etc. The last year focuses on HOW to teach all that you have learnt. It goes into how to design and develop course outlines, lesson plans. It also teaches about the brain, how the brain functions, how people 'learn' in different ways. We did a lot of psychology - why people think the way they do. It covered disciplin techniques, communication styles.
This is a very brief overview of course. The four years were a wonderful period in my life. But what I have found even MORE beneficial than my academic qualifications is just experience - with people, with repertoire, knowing myself and my limits etc.
I teach only preliminary through to grade 8 students (lalla, do you use grades in Hamburg). Anyway, the top grade I teach is not considered a 'professional' performance level. There are other stages students can continue with.
Most from my area move to the cities for this expertise tuition and guidence.
I have performed many times when I was younger, but these days my emphasis is on what happens in my studio.
I still love to play for myself, and have the type of personality that is a little 'perfectionist'.
Lalla, would you like to tell us a little more about your experiences? I'm particularly interested in learning about other countries and their culture.
Here in Australia lalla, we have the reputation of being very laid back and carefree. We're often heard saying "No problems mate" or "She'll be right mate!" But we're also known as the 'little Aussie battlers' because we work hard. Have you ever visited Australia lalla? I live in the top part of NSW. It's very hilly, and lovely and green. The town has about 35 000 people. The closest city is about three hours away: Brisbane.
Look forward to hearing from you.
"I forget what I was taught, I only remember what I've learnt." - Patrick White, Australian novelist.
think about it this way: it's kind of like the artist/educator of the month interview on the PEP. most of those people are famous, [or moderately so] but you all are famous to your students, so why not! Can't wait to hear what you all have to say,
So I did that.)
