Sam ER Chapter 5 Summary

Sam
Chapter 5 Summary-Many people are never able to endure in learning a musical skill because of the bad experiences they have with their lessons. It is often the case that instructors identify mistakes and offer criticism in a way that eventually causes feelings of inadequacy and stupidity in the student. To avoid these feelings, the student responds by trying to do exactly what the teacher says even if it isn't what they want to do. Certainly it is admirable to respond the the honest and helpful criticism of an experienced teacher, but this attitude of teacher pleasing can be dangerous territory because it is detrimental to the students passion for the music itself, which is by far the most important factor in maintaining a student's motivation to practice. In cases such as this it is important to note that the teacher is not necessarily incompetent, nor is the student; there is simply a disconnect between the way the teacher teaches and the way the student learns. It is, therefore, of great importance that a teacher can perceive how to best teach each student to ensure that each student's motivation remains consistent and pure.
Key Concept-Lessons can be nerve-wracking, traumatizing experiences if presented incorrectly. If all a teacher does is point out mistakes in technique without doing anything to increase the student's passion for music it will be impossible for the student to have success. That's why it is so important to ascertain how each student must be taught in order to help them keep the passion they have for music that made them start taking lessons in the first place.
Key Terms-Understanding Disability
Making Connections- As a teacher I need to figure out how each of my students learns best. I also need to figure out where their passion for singing comes from so I can help them develop it further because that is one of my main jobs as a teacher. If all I do is correct technique without motivating each student in a way that is tailored specifically to them I will not be successful.