Expression and Empathy

Ever see someone play music beautifully but look miserable the entire time?

It feels like someone saying, "I love you," but with a frowny face. Nothing against frowny faces. It just gets confusing sometimes.

It serves as a reminder that as teachers, we want to ensure our students are connecting with their music, or their art. It's the difference between:

I'm playing the music like this because it reflects what I'm feeling inside at this moment and is bringing my humanity to a new level.

and...

I'm playing the music like this because my teacher told me to.

It's a tough balance. If only we could read our students' minds to make sure they're doing the right one.

Perhaps by the end of the century...I'm sure Apple is already on it.

One of my former teachers, the great Arlene Kies, once explained interpreting and playing musically like this:

This music makes me feel (blank). I can express this by doing (insert musical details other than just the correct notes and rhythms).

Kind of takes the magic out of the subconscious process by writing it out like this, but we gotta start somewhere...right?

Let's find the deeper meaning to art. With ourselves and our students.

How it makes us feel.

How to express it.

Even better, how to express it so the audience understands and connects.

That's where the magic is.

Facial expressions optional.