Are You a Musician? (12/1/23)
In this present world, we are nurturing our children to be more sensitive to being a part of our inclusive, global, and diverse community. Children are just learning that they have their own identity which is very connected to their parents, but nevertheless, separate. An important aspect of being a Suzuki student is developing their identity as a classical musician. Through music, we are developing character, but also helping our students with how they view themselves and build their own identity
Classical music is known for the beauty of the sounds, but also it is recognized that it is difficult to learn and to play well. Our students have a reputation for how well they play. When someone knows you are a musician, there is often respect associated with this. But children find it more difficult to openly identify themselves as classical musicians.
Art and learning take time. The creativity in music comes as a result of the discipline of the training. The expression we nurture through classical music comes from the discipline of playing skillfully and with the correct style of the piece of music. As many of you heard in the last faculty concert, our teachers are very creative. Whether it is a Brahms sonata or an improvisation made up on the spot, it took many years of training for them to arrive at this point of creativity. The achievements of our students are likewise the result of many hours (and years) of practice and support from teachers, parents and adult caregivers who value their music education. We want our students to identify themselves as intelligent, creative, and respectful human beings. We do this through our music and preschool instruction. The careful study, repetition, and performances build the student's identity in being a musician. We are so grateful for this community effort and commitment to music lessons that build the identity of the student as creative individuals and musicians.
Sometimes it is difficult for students to see themselves or feel strongly about their own identities. This is why the social interaction that is part of our Suzuki music instruction is vital to their growth. Some students can easily feel shy when standing up in front of others. When a student can perform in a group, in front of an appreciative public, and be seen as a musician it makes them stronger. Our alumni have told us that these early performances carried with them into non-musical professional situations with greater confidence.
Having a personality and having an identity are not the same thing. Both personality and identity are influenced by the environment and social interactions a child has throughout their lives. A child's personality develops over time and can change depending upon changes of environment and situations. However, the identity of a child is deeper, longer to establish, and harder to change. It is strongly influenced by the social interactions with others--the family, the educators and peers--all help define their identity and sense of belonging. Children then Identify themselves with a certain culture, religion, and the role they play in society.
The Suzuki teachers have an important relationship with their students because of our understanding, patience, and acceptance of each child however they may identify themself and at whatever level they may be. Our weekly interactions over the many years is a means for a student to develop a deep relationship with their teacher. Furthermore, our belief in them builds their confidence and self-esteem. Our fundamental Suzuki philosophy is that every child can gain ability and "be talented" by daily practice and step-by-step building of skills. As teachers, we feel this is an important part of the environment we espouse in our school and at home. As an example, the reason that we do not hold competitions or try to single out only the top students is that we believe all children can and will achieve a high level if they keep trying. We want every child to believe in themself.
In these upcoming weeks, there are opportunities for students to perform in different contexts. The piano department is holding a concert in a piano store on Saturday. The cello and guitar students and In Harmony Tour group are performing at the Celebrate Newton holiday craft fair at Newton South High School on Sunday. Furthermore, our formal solo recitals will again be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9th and 10th at the Union Church. We hold many performing events and ask that families commit to these musical opportunities in their busy lives because music can be life changing. We hope that identifying themselves as musicians creates a more harmonious society by bringing diverse people together with the purpose of making music.
Sachiko Isihara
Executive Director
Suzuki School of Newton