Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Welcome to the Club!

Hi! My name is Mr Crotchet and I am excited to have this opportunity to chat to you about music. You will know me from my famous appearance in A Note for Children as seen at www.ANoteForChildren.com

I love music and especially teaching it. I want you to feel free to ask me any questions that you may have about teaching children music and I'll try my best to help you!

Whether you are an child or adult, a student or a teacher - I don't mind. Anyone can ask me anything about music and I'll try my best to answer you.

I'd also like to share some thoughts with you every now and again.

Today I would like to talk about having fun with music. In some circles, music has come to mean serious business in the lives of musicians, but let me tell you this - IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN NOT SERIOUS!! My goal in life is to take the seriousness out of music and bring back the element of fun that is sadly missing.

This doesn't mean that there is no value in playing to the best of your ability. I love all music from the most precise classical pieces to the outrageous techno stuff, as long as it is done with joy and in the spirit of creativity rather than for the sake of perfection.

Teachers, don't forget to have fun with the students. Linda Hannah Young, my confidant told me of a time when she invited some children up to the front of her class while others were singing. These children had the opportunity to play imaginary instruments: air guitars, magic drum kits. One boy she remembered played the best air guitar she had ever seen. He was really in the moment and the smile on his face was totally memorable. Due to an unforeseen accident, that boy died two weeks later. Linda was so pleased that he had had the opportunity to really enjoy himself. That memory warmed her saddened heart.

So don't forget, life is short and music is such a beautiful way to express it.

Enjoy!

Yours Musically

Mr. Crotchet