jL | In Practice - What I Need…
In the classroom - I NEED YOU TO…: A world-class educator completely shifted my paradigm on engaging and correcting student behavior. Her challenge: stop saying “I need you to…” in rehearsal. In reality, my needs are irrelevant to the majority of my students, and yet, I frequently catch myself telling a student what I need. Want more buy-in and engagement in rehearsal? Find a way to reframe rehearsal expectations and musical improvements that reminds students how to be their best selves.
Consider the following shifts:
“I NEED you to sit up” becomes “lift your ribcage off your stomach to increase lung capacity and resonance.”
“I NEED you to stop talking” becomes “please raise your hand if you have something to share. We don’t want to miss any questions or ideas you have.”
“I NEED you watch” becomes “remember to glance up several times a measure to ensure you’re aligning the 16th notes with your friends.”
“I NEED you to articulate that note firmer” becomes “please listen carefully and match the articulation style to your trio.”
It is a subtle shift, but framing expectations so that ownership lies with the students and removes any power struggles can lead to greater buy-in and engagement in rehearsal.
Behind the scenes - Just Keep Swimming: This is a time when I find myself looking for reasons to give up on my process because I cannot see the results fast enough. What difference is the score study really making? I’m never going to figure out the pacing of this marching show. I’m too tired to exercise, etc. Whatever you do, DON’T STOP!
These feelings are often a sign that you’re just about to break through. Just keep swimming!!! Results of your efforts often lag significantly behind the investment you’re making in yourself and the ensemble. Stick with your process; meaningful change takes time!
Remember: There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. ~ President William J. Clinton