Artists and Managers

I think all teachers must be artists and participate with students in lessons, music, games, songs, melodies and rhythms. As artists we create music with children and lead children in the process of creating art. This artistic process is by nature creative, improvisitory, free, and expressive. The most incredible sessions I've ever been in have been with artists who are able to communicate with us the essence of their artistic vision. These sessions have been active and completely student centered, using the artistic ideas of the students and the teacher to move through the session. Often as a result of the lesson a "sharing time" is desired by everyone. Some of these were polished some were simple demonstrations of the artistic process.

I also think teachers have to be managers. We've got to prepare the site, the lesson and the students for the artistic experience. There are instruments to prepare, dances to learn, sequences of concepts to work into the artistic experience. We've got to work with fellow teachers, administrators and parents to help them understand what we're trying to do. But also and most importantly, we must manage our teaching to maximize the learning process. We have a finite amount of time, a concept to develop, and a plan for it's success. As managers we are responsible for sequencing the music lessons, presenting concepts in a logical order. As managers, we always must "keep our eye on the prize," remembering the journey yet to come. We know where we want our students to be when we are finished not only with each day's lesson but at the end of the week, the semester or the school year. As managers, we are always aware of when students are ready or need to share what they've learned with an audience.

The best teachers are those who are successful managers and artists. We teach an art form, but we have to be managers to be successful. We are charged with helping to keep the art of music alive, vibrant and growing. We have the examples of many great artists to inspire us. Orff Schulwerk gives us a form of artistic expression that is child centered, wholistic, and inspirational to teachers. Orff Schulwerk training is all about artistic expression, creative process, but also about becoming good managers of music and movement with children.