Emily F. TC ch. 9

Emily F. TC ch. 9: Master coaches have four common virtues:"the matrix", perceptiveness, the "gps reflex", and theatrical honesty. The matrix is the vast collection of knowledge and ability that a teacher or coach has gathered through years of practice of the desired skill, as well as the knowledge and ability to teach that skill to all kinds of students. Perceptiveness is the ability to observe what would be the best treatment to give each student to help them thrive. I particularly liked the whipped cream/shit analogy. The "gps reflex" is the ability to observe the student's current course and immediately be able to correct it, enabling deep practice, and teaching students how to error-detect in themselves. Theatrical honesty is the ability to really illustrate, through any kind of required communication, errors and accomplishments in the student. When Dr. Jessop conducts AFC, he frequently sings something the way he doesn't want it to sound, and has the choir join him. He then says, "I'm exaggerating, but not much. Now do it the right way." He always gets a chuckle because the illustration is so clear. Circuits are different for different skills. Music skills are in the solid trunk of technique category (consistent-circuit skills), as opposed to soccer, which are ivy-like circuits (flexible-circuit skills). 
Key Concept: As a teacher, one must be able to incorporate the virtues that make up good teaching, as well as understand what type of circuitry and what type of correction is required for deep practice of the desired skill.
Key Terms: matrix, perceptiveness, gps reflex, theatrical honesty, flexible-circuit skills, consistent-circuit skills
Making Connections: I find it very interesting that there are different types of circuitry for different skills. It makes sense, of course. Although it wasn't talked about in the book, I wonder what kind of circuitry is required for beginning singers? I'm thinking that trying to teach a beginning singer a lot of technique would cause a lot of tension and anxiety, causing uncomfortable and unhealthy singing. So maybe beginning singers need more ivy-like circuitry at first, just to get used to the idea of being able to move the voice freely. (I don't know-- tell me if I'm wrong, Cindy!)