I have the honor to teach some of the most talented outgoing and engaged young people through the LPSS Talented program. To succeed in studying their instruments, my students are called daily to face their own limitations and overcome them to reach their potential. They are critical thinkers, problem solvers, risk takers sensitive to beauty and understand the interdependent relationship they have when they perform with others.
Truly, in mastering a musical instrument students develop the skills it takes to be a citizen in a highly functioning community.
The capstone of my curriculum is a public studio recital where students rehearse and perform with a professional piano accompanist. Even in their immediate response to the collaboration with the pianist, one could plainly see my students' pride and self assurance.
My Project
An essential component of the students' performance is working with a live professional musician. From negotiation of nuanced phrasing and timing of the music parts interacting, to the dignity of being in the presence of a professional musician, students grow in bounds with the opportunity afforded at the recital.
Working with an accompanist provides a model for students to collaborate with others outside the recital hall and in their homes and communities.
If we want to create caring sensitive engaged and interactive citizens, invest in a student's experience with an accompanist. They will be given a dignity that they can then give to others seeking harmony and beauty as an end.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Gaffga and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
