The Mystery of Artistic Motivation

(Note: Snag Island Studio was closed yesterday due to Flooding, Make up lessons TBA)

Separation
While there is a mystique surrounding the artist and how he or she becomes inspired to create, we as educators and schools and parents often believe that we understand how to teach the mechanical side of the arts. And so there can be a separation between the Motivation, and Inspiration and the Technique and Mechanical aspects of art.


The need for motivation
After several years of working with parents of music students I’ve come to realize that as important as the technique is, and I do believe that proper technique is essential for a musician to develop. The more pressing need is to find ways to motivate the musical child. Dr. Suzuki teaches that it is through the environment that a child will learn, and so it is through the environment that we must work to motivate the child.

We can not expect a child to be self motivated to practice. So how do we help to create a motivating environment?

Tips


Attend Classical Piano Concerts.
This is perhaps one of the most powerful ways to motivate your child long term. The strength of having a real performer right in front of the child casting a musical spell over the audience is magic for the child's motivation! They now have a clear picture and sound in their heads of what they can do if they continue to practice. I was inspired to begin piano lessons after attending a high level student recital!

Sign up for a summer piano camp.
This is a huge motivator for students as they are with other young musicians, practicing on the same pieces, going to the same classes, learning from exciting new teachers, in an environment that is designed 24-7 to educate and motivate them! Summer camps become a ritual for the families that start them.

Plan to go to the State Suzuki Festival in September.
This is a state wide festival that is set up like a day camp, the only difference is that the teachers are mostly local to the state, and there is a Graduation concert for students who have passed a level in the Repertoire. This is only a one day event.

Come to every Recital and Home Rehearsal.
Bring family and supportive friends and teachers to the recitals. Make a big deal out of their accomplishments and enjoy the fun afterwards!

Participate in a multi-piano concert.
Students form a piano team and work with their team to prepare and perform their repertoire! These concerts can build great friendships and give the piano students a chance to work with their peers in a non-competitive environment! These take place every two years in Sacramento, every Three years in Seattle and every 18 months in Matsumoto Japan!

Wow, out of time this morning already! See you tomorrow

With love, joy and hope,
Ben

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at You and Me Time