It's no secret that musicians sometimes live in a world of their own, with its own set of lingo. But do we always realize how bad the communication gap can get? Here are 5 ways that music teachers sometimes confuse their students:
1. "What note is that?"
I thought a note was a piece of paper with some words jotted down. How was I supposed to know that you wanted me to answer with a letter such as A, B, or C?
Solution for music teachers: Beginning students have enough new vocabulary to learn as is. Until the student is more advanced, begin by asking, "What letter name is that?"
2. "How many cellos are there?"
A fellow music teacher once asked me how many cellos I had. I started to explain that I could find out the answer by looking at the Excel file where I kept my instrument inventory, only for him to respond that he wanted to know how many cello players I had in class.
Solution for music teachers: Refer to people by the correct title, and not by an object.
3. Song vs. Piece
Since when did a 'song' have to have words while a 'piece' doesn't? And don't even get me started about what a 'work' is. Before I entered the classical music world, all music was a song, period.
Solution for music teachers: Either stop being nit picky about technicality that doesn't affect the ability of your students to make music, or at least explain the difference to your students if you're going to use these words.
4. "Rest"
I once had an orchestra student who had trouble playing in time with the other music students. I noticed that sometimes he would be extra relaxed and not paying attention. Turns out, he was a good student trying to follow the music's instructions to 'rest' a little too literally.
Solution for music teachers: Explain to students that your mind should still be active during a music rest and that your body position should follow accordingly.
5. "Feel the Beat"
No, I can't feel the beat. I can't see or hold it either. Does it feel wet or dry, sticky or soft?
Solution for music teachers: Some students may need training with the metronome and be told to "guess" the beat.
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