The nature of music
Although this is the perfect time of the year to experience nature, this post has more to do with experiencing a student’s nature as a musician and with the fundamental nature of music. I have definitely had the experience of getting caught up in the technical aspects of music then realizing that the music itself has ended up on the back burner.
The student’s musical nature
I find myself working with a student for whom expressing the music itself is particularly important because they are involved in a performance-art program coming up soon. I commend this student for realizing and wanting their violin playing to still sound beautiful. They are not the most advanced student I have worked with but they do bring some basic skills, a good ear and some musical abilities as well.
The nature of music
We did have to start out dealing with some technical skills and ear training. I had been leaving the moves and acting to what I believed to be another coach or trainer. More recently I have come to the conclusion that I need to be more involved in this aspect of the performance as well. This is where the nature of the music becomes important. There were certain technical issues that the student could not overcome until today when the focus was completely shifted over to acting out the song. This is yet another example of how the music itself should always take the lead.
Violinist Linda Beers is the creator of the Inspiration for Violinists, a 50 card deck. Each card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.