links and useful resources
Helping Parents Practice by Edmund Sprunger (Yes Publishing, St. Louis: 2005). I don't know a kinder, gentler book about teaching. A trained psychologist, Sprunger explores the differences between parent/child and teacher/student relationships, and with great insight demonstrates the balancing act of optimal teaching, such as when to allow choices and when to be firm, when to let the student struggle and when to step in and help. www.yespublishing.comBeyond Ratings - a Guide to Enhancing Solo & Ensemble Experiences.
This useful new resource has been classroom tested by experienced teachers throughout Wisconsin. They are happy to share their materials and experience in order to help you extend the impact of solo & ensemble experiences beginning with music selection and continuing through assessment of performance. Highly recommended. Beyond Ratings Performance Success: Performing Your Best Under Pressure by Don Greene (Routledge, New York: 2002). Greene, a former Sport Psychologist for the U.S. Olympic Diving team who now works with musicians at Julliard and the New World Symphony, has written this must-have book for performing musicians. Beginning with a survey about where you are and where you'd like to be, his method explains the physical and psychological characteristics of stress and helps you discover your optimum potential. More information can be found at www.dongreene.com.inspiring books
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland (Greywolf Press, St. Paul: 1987). Even if you don't want to write, Uelands unabashed honesty, her passion for her vocation, and her complete belief in all students will give you courage, and raise you to new heights as a teacher.The Performer Prepares by Robert Caldwell (PstInc., 1990). This book helps performers clarify and organize their desires and expectations before a performance. While Caldwell's work is primarily with singers, his stories of performers and their fears and concerns and his very humane approach to creating clear personal goals are readily applicable to instrumentalists.
Soprano on her Head by Eloise Ristad (Real People Press, Moab UT: 1982). Ristad is an inspiring example of a creative teacher who let her imagination and her students guide their optimum learning experience. Her unconventional but highly effective approach will delight you and make you rethink the traditional lesson model.
Teaching Genius: Dorothy DeLay and the Making of a Musician by Barbara Lourie Sand (Amadeus Press, Portland, OR: 2000). For me, the great pleasure of this book was opportunity to have a glimpse inside the famed teachers studio, to hear former students recollections of their lessons with her, and understand more about the "magic" of her success.
Tone Deaf and All Thumbs? by Frank R. Wilson (Vintage Books, New York: 1987). Neurologist Frank Wilson (author of The Hand) views his amateur piano playing experience through his vocational understanding of how the brain receives, processes, and transmits information with. He weaves technical information with the practical, making this a very intriguing book for any musician.
Tuesdays with Morrie
by Mitch Albom (Anchor Books, New York: 2oo6). If you ever questioned the potential impact of a teacher in a students life no matter the "subject" this book will convince you beyond a shadow of a doubt.Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel (Vintage Books, New York: 1971). Another on David Wells required reading list that had a lasting impact. Again, the analogy between archery and cello playing is an easy stretch.
