Luke Shepherd TC Chapter 9 Summary

Chapter Summary: Literally speaking, master teachers are the human delivery system for the signals that fuel and direct the firing and growth of a certain circuit needed to build skill. They direct it when and when not to fire. There are four virtues that master coaches employ: The Matrix, Perceptiveness, the GPS reflex, and theatrical honesty. The matrix refers to the neural superstructure of task or skill-specific knowledge built over years of experience and study that allows the master coach an infinite number of connections and possibilities to make. They are always able to take a student to new levels and deeper practice. This is their "killer application". It's not just about being proficient in your chosen field, it's also about learning how to teach it effectively. The second virtue, perceptiveness, is the ability that a coach has to observe the needs of the student and know what exactly they need. All students are different so teaching them all the same exact way would be foolish. The GPS reflex is the master coaches ability to offer specific and instant feedback and correction, guiding the student at every step and every turn if mistakes are made, how they are to be corrected, and when or if the destination of a certain passage was reached. This reflex allows them to get students to use small successes as stepping stones to the next hurdle. The fourth virtue, theatrical honesty, refers to the dramatic and almost theatrical or larger than life characters that teachers become in order to reach their students in the way most effective to them. If a student needs a silly, energetic vibe then the teacher can provide it with the way the speak, walk, and interact with the student. This isn't 'theatrical' in the sense that teachers 'fake' or put on a facade, but in the sense that they are able to portray the truth about a student's performance and exemplify where the student yet needs to go. Used in tandem the master coach is capable of getting the student to fire the right kinds of circuits for the right kinds of tasks that build the desired skill.

Key Concept: To be a master coach requires years of building one's own proficiency of a skill as well as years of experience experimenting with and teaching that skill. A matrix of knowledge with a keen eye for error detection and correction allow a teacher to laser focus a students attention on what is necessary to build skill.

Key Terms: The Matrix

Perceptiveness

GPS reflex and shock

Theatrical Honesty

Making Connections: I need patience with myself to reach the point where I've developed my own matrix of knowledge and neural circuitry specific to singing and directing. Each virtue takes years and hours to hone and perfect. I should spend the time I need to master my own art and skill and then undertake the process of teaching others how to get there.