MUSICAL GIFTS
One day, while on my way to teach, I chanced upon this inspiring display at the Singapore Teachers Academy for the aRts (STAR). It says, “Not all kids are the same. Not all kids can take the same approach. Some we can lecture, some we have to guide, some we have to encourage, others we work with them hands-on and inspire them by your presence. But whatever the kid’s interest, we must provide many paths for him to grow and to develop.”, quoting Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, 2006.
Indeed.
In my previous post, I have mentioned that no two students can be taught the same way, nor produce the same learning outcome. It is important for the teacher to discover the student’s learning style and develop him to his greatest potential.
I used to have this vision printed on my old namecards: “Develop Talents Through Music Education”. I believe as teachers, we can help our students discover their gifts, nurture and build on those gifts, and allowing them to grow from a mustard seed into a tree. Back to PM Lee’s quote, in this case, and coming from a music teacher’s viewpoint, music is one of the paths for these kids to grow and develop. And music may be the gifts these kids possess.
It is known that music trains the brain. In particular, playing the piano trains a student visually, aurally and kinaesthetically. Simultaneously, it trains sight-reading, listening, hands-coordination, ideomotor responses, rhythms and many more. What an enjoyable way to stay alert, be smarter and more disciplined!
My new vision now updates my old one on my new namecards: “Empowering Confidence Through Music Education”. At the end of the day, we want the kids to develop self-confidence to face the challenges ahead. By equipping students with the skill of playing a musical instrument well, we are helping them to be more focused and motivated, to build self-esteem and confidence. Music also helps children grow artistically and culturally, an important character-building aspect which should not be deemed less relevant than academic achievements.
Music, may or may not be yours or your child’s gift. You never try, you never know. It’s never too late to start discovering!
