Tougas-Coyle-Ch.8-9

Some general themes of the chapters were teaching to the needs of each individual student, individual ignition, the four virtues of coaches: the matrix, perspectiveness, the gps reflex, theatrical honesty, and myelin circuits and how they are connected through different activities and skills we choose to develop.

  What stood out to me most from these two chapters is the interaction Coyle has with Hans Jensen, the world renowned cello teacher. He asks him what seems to be a seemingly simple question with an even easier response: Who is the better musician of the two students? However, Jensen’s answer is stunning. “Hard to say,” he replies. This answer is when we see students for people not just their instrument. It is what they CHOOSE to do with what we teach, not what we teach them in the lesson that makes the difference. 

I suppose I have always seen my lessons, performances, concerts, recitals as going poorly or well and that is what makes me a good musician. This book has really taught me that what defines me as a musician is the practice- deep practice- and power that I put into my craft and the enthusiasm with which I do so. The gift of music is not to have an incredible playing style, perfect rhythm, or beautiful voice. The gift of music is to cherish the opportunity to become a musician. The skill that accompanies that gift is what you put in, that fire for something more, and that skill is what separates the good from the great from the spectacular. 

The last chapter reminds me of a movie I have watched many times entitled “Finding You”. In the movie, a girl desperately tries to make it into Juilliard for violin but cannot because even though she plays the piece perfectly, she has no emotion- no story. She then travels to Ireland, finds her story, and you know the rest. The second thing I think I have really gained from this book is that technicality is awesome and obviously a really firm foundation is essential to becoming good at what ever you do. Yet, technique is NOT everything like we often say and sometimes the story you share has far more to do with your actual musicianship than how many difficult melismas you can crank out. Myelin is part of what makes you, you- so own it- and be willing to create a grander, broader you each day. Especially if it’s hard.

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