An in-depth answer to this frequently question, by Betty Power (BKA Newsletter, Spring 2001)
In 1953, when asked to speak at the end-of-year ceremony at the Liszt Academy of Music, Zoltan Kodály referred to Robert Schumann’s preface to Album for the Young (Jugend Album). In 1848, Schumann had offered a wealth of advice for music students, ranging from the importance of a correctly tuned instrument, to the advantage of learning to conduct early, to taking long walks in the open air, to the practice of a capella singing to develop the inner ear.
Kodály pointed out to the conservatory students that Schumann’s advice was just as relevant then, more than a hundred years later, and that there was still were many improvements needed to meet the high standards of Robert Schumann. Today’s description of “Who Is A Good Musician?” has become the mission statement for Kodály students and teachers today:
1) A well-trained ear; 2) A well-trained mind; 3) A well-trained heart; 4) A well-trained hand. All four must develop together, in constant equilibrium. As soon as one lags behind or rushes ahead, there is something wrong. In 1992, nearly 40 years later in the USA, in another Kodály teachers’ conference address, Dr Jean Sinor drew upon the advice of Schumann and Kodály in sharing her own insights into what makes a good music teacher. The following is a summary of her message, that in this new year it may inspire and summon us all to reflect on where we are now, and where and how we would like to “grow”.
Always keep yourself alive as a musician…
Consider yourself a musician first, beyond anything else. Find time to daily exercise the musician in you, whether it be playing one etude a day, singing a Bach chorale, or attending a concert of new music. This will keep you in touch with 1) the persistent effort and regular discipline required for students to achieve, progress and be motivated in their music studies, and 2) the exhilaration of the musical experience, what we ultimately hope to awaken and nurture in our students.
Get to know the other arts…
If you don’t already, read poetry, visit art museums and galleries, attend modern dance recitals. Carry with you an open mind and a healthy reserve of curiosity. Sinor: “Understanding human nature can be accomplished in a variety of ways…you may find that you hear better when you see differently.”
Learn another language…
The characteristics of a person’s language influences what that person is capable of understanding, and having more than one language gives you more than one perspective on an idea. Sinor: “Learning a different way of expressing yourself gives you another way of thinking.”
Take an interest in the world…
Be aware of world issues and work on understanding their causes and effects. Better to reflect on things which have no immediate effect on you and in which you have no vested interests. The aim here is to practise objective thinking and understanding issues from many different points of view.
Live in harmony with nature…
Kodály was committed to a strict regime of health and fitness. He swam vigorously, was a great hiker and followed a quasi-vegetarian diet. His trips to mountains in the northern part of Hungary were the source of inspiration for both his music and ideas. By experiencing the beauty, the surprises, the awe-inspiring miracles of Nature, we are in touch with our inner child, the world of feeling and senses, the inner world of music.
Stick your neck out for something you believe in…
In American terms, this requires more than just standing up for what you believe in – it involves speaking out, carrying the torch, being an activist for the cultural needs of the population. Work towards influencing the thinking of local, regional and national governments, educational and musical organisations – try to get others to consider an alternative.
Don’t settle for just ‘getting by’…
Be confident and maintain a strong vision of what you wish to accomplish; don’t compromise your ideas for the sake of being realistic. When things don’t work out the way you had hoped, be fair to yourself: “Although that wasn’t quite good enough, we made a few steps in the right direction.”
Lead as profound a life as is possible…
Study the ideas of philosophers, artists, religious leaders. Learn their techniques and create your own understanding of life. The goal is to learn how to perceive what is happening to us and around us, to pay attention and take a lesson from everything that passes by.
Every minute of life is precious…
Jean Sinor points out that Kodály still challenges us to be more than ordinary, to be extra-ordinary in our roles as music teachers and musicians: (Kodály) “Obviously, a perfect musician is an unattainable ideal; even the best can find shortcomings in themselves. But seeing the goal, they can measure the distance and understand what is still to be done to approach it. For such people, Schumann’s last sentence is not depressing, but encouraging: “Es ist des Lernens Kein Ende” (There is no end to learning).“