Read more
More than Music Lessons invites contemporary music studio teachers to link their teaching with notions of humanity and presents a timely vision of bringing student-centered teaching to life in the applied studio. Itprovides a myriad of practical tips and strategies, exploring the themes of parents, practicing, projects, and character.
List of contents
Introduction - Build On and Exercise Chapter 1. Sharing the JourneyStudent-Centered Teaching
Curriculum Models
Teaching for Inclusion and Diversity
Part One - ParentsChapter 2. Parents Make A Difference Family Home Life
Music & Family Home Life
Teachers & Family Home Life
Independence & Ownership
Chapter 3. In the Lesson Step In, Step Back, Let Go
Diverse Family Needs
Taking Homework Notes
Chapter 4. Meaningful Conversations Parents & Questions
Acceptable Tension
Parents' Most Practical Resource
Teachers Letting Go
Opening Doors
FAQs
Part Two - PracticingChapter 5. Framework of Basic Human NeedsChapter 6. Practicing & AutonomyAssumptions About Autonomy
Language & Gestures
What About Mistakes?
Protecting Students
Homework Notes
Teacher's Belief in Autonomy
FAQs
Chapter 7. Practicing & Fluency The Activity Itself
Repetition
Creativity & Challenges
Review & Refinemen
Slow Practice
Immediate & Evolving
FAQs
Chapter 8. Practicing & Purpose Musicianship & Artistry
Beauty
Caring for Music
Vision of Life
Real Life Stories
FAQs
Chapter 9. Practicing & RelatednessTeachers & Students
Unconditional Personal Connections
The Power of Smiling
Sense of Humor
Caring Relationships
FAQs
Chapter 10. Practicing & Reflection Developing Awareness
Questions
Silence
Follow Up
Student Report Cards
Parent Check Ins
Teen Student Reviews
FAQs
Chapter 11. Practicing & ListeningListening 001 - Internalize
Listening 002 - Inspire
Listening 003 - Share
Further Thoughts
Part Three - ProjectsChapter 12. Non-performance Music Projects Background
Project-Based Learning
Teacher's Role
Chapter 13. Giving Voice to Students Students' EMC Projects
Junior High Threshold
Amplifying Students' Musical Persona
FAQs
Part Four - Character Chapter 14. Imprinted from Birth My Gallery of Student Portraits
Connecting with Life Skills
Chapter 15. Character & Music LessonsExercising Character
Empathy Starters
Talking About Soul
Character Reflections
More Than Music
FAQs
Finale. Our Shared Humanity Appendix A: Challenges
Appendix B: Parent Letter & Teenager Letter Appendix C: Everyday Music Connections Projects Appendix D: Character CardsBibliography
About the author
Merlin B. Thompson is an award-winning music educator, scholar, and pianist with over forty years teaching experience in private studio, music conservatory, and university settings. He has worked with hundreds of music teachers, students, and parents throughout Canada, USA, Australia, Japan, Spain, Great Britain, Brazil, and New Zealand. He is creator of the podcast series The Music Educator’s Crucible.