Arts Education and Teaching | Meet Them Where They’re At

If you’re like me, you split your performance art with teaching. Here are some thoughts on creating a viable, sustainable teaching strategy throughout the semester.

Meet your students at their level to create the best experience for you and them! Here are some ideas to consider when you are doing your lesson planning.

Previous Knowledge Matters

Just like any human being your student is going to use their previous knowledge to comprehend what you are telling them. They are going to use their experiences as a method of guidance. Keep in mind that the playing field normally is not even. You might have students who are really proficient and others who are at a provisional level. You absolutely need to tailor your teaching style to these factors. Always start easier and progress. You need to find an area where everyone can confidently work together.

It makes no sense to teach your students concepts and music that they cannot play. Most students go to music class to play music, be with their peers, and have fun…and maybe even to not be a part of that Algebra class. So find creative ways to meet them physically and academically.

For me as a clarinetist, I almost always deal with the obstacles of having students not being able to physically reach certain keys on the clarinet or have certain aspects of their playing that are underdeveloped. Me giving them music with large intervals and high notes will be fruitless and frustrating, what a waste of time! Don’t do stuff like that. Get over the fact that they are not at the level you think they should be in. Change your expectations and create lessons that will make everyone excited to play music or produce art. Everyone will be much happier, including yourself!

Create shares goals for you and have them create goals for themselves

It’s crucial to have students invested in their learning. Passive learning will not work, especially if you are trying to retain students and build your program.  Have them pick some music they like, music that they can play, and provide performance and sharing opportunities. This will help generate excitement, guide them with task management in their practicing, and add energy to your program.

Let’s also remember one of the most important aspects of art - you are producing a sense of belonging, purpose, and community for your students. This can produce greater intrinsic motivation and provide new openings for expression and comradeship.

Create rapport by being your authentic self

I’m not suggesting that you become friends with your students, that’s not the way to go and there are always boundaries in professional environments. But that’s not to say that you can’t be a relatable human being to your students.  Having small conversations or questions about non music/art, within reason, provide another outlet to learn more about your students and even generate ideas in programming or lessons. Generating that rapport and building those relationships can really make a difference for the school year and quality of music/performance art.

Well there you have it!

Meet your students at their level and build from there. Keep this in mind when you write your lesson plans and produce teaching tools for the year. Always be flexible and enjoy the moments you have with your students.

-Medina