A well-rounded musician is someone that embraces a variety of musical styles and skills in such a way that each musical style musical skill becomes a natural part of their performance identity. It is the aspiration of all teachers to be able to encourage their students to appreciate these various skills; this offers opportunities to each student to embody all of the elements to enrich their musical journey.
You might be asking yourself, “what are some of the skills associated with being a well-rounded musician?” The following list will offer some insight:
1. Playing in a variety of styles.
Learning to play in one particular style works for most students yet from time to time, students become antsy to learn new skills. A good music instructor will allow students to try out a variety of styles of music during their studies such as classical, pop, rock, jazz, country, improvisation, or writing original pieces. It is important to note that all students will have their own personal limitations of musical appreciation or physical ability. As such, not all students will embrace every style of music that is available to them. It is the job of the music instructor to appreciate the interests of the student and cater the lessons around the styles of music that will speak to the student.
2. Reading music and playing by ear.
In the music studio of every teacher, we work with a variety of students that all have a variety of musical talents. Some students are strong readers, they can naturally see the music on the page and decipher the code to play the music on their instrument. Other students have a natural interest and talent for listening to the music that they play. These students listen well to the music that is around them and can naturally perform these sounds in a coherent way on their instrument.
In both cases, each student has mastered an important skill, yet these skills offer only a certain amount of success. This amalgamation creates not only a technically proficient performance, a sensitivity to the performance by listening to the music being created creates a further dimension that goes beyond what is written on the page.
3. Appreciation of working in a group setting vs. solo setting
Pianists are trained from the first lesson to work as soloists. Let’s face it, the piano is an instrument that can hold its’ own, it is a lone wolf.
Encouraging students to join a band, work together in small ensembles, or to play duets offers a different series of opportunities and challenges that will enrich their learning environment. Each musician has the opportunity to enjoy working together in a group to collectively make music that is meaningful for each other. It is also a lot of fun!
Conclusion
It is my hope that all music instructors, music students, and parents embrace the various opportunities for making music in a meaningful way, your lives will be enriched as a result.
All musicians (students and professionals) should consider the following question during their musical journey: “How can I become a well-rounded musician?”
Ms. Nadel Paris has an amazing voice, beauty, humility and maturity that will strike you all at once as soon as you meet her. Nadel is not just an amazing vocalist; she is a recording artist, musician, music producer, and songwriter.
She is also an actor, an acting coach and the owner of the leading acting institution in personal growth for children.
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