Today, allow me to put down some thoughts on community support of voice students and their teachers from the perspective of a community theatre/choir director which are two of my hats that I wear in my career.
My positions as music director of The Singer’s Theatre and director of the Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir put me in the position of working with many young singers who study with various different private teachers. I hear their auditions, coach them on their solo work and observe them socially. I consider my role to be one of mentor, teacher and counselor. I also recognize my frustrations as a private voice teacher when my students are working with other community organizations such as those that I run! I write now from the “other side”, as someone who works with students who study privately with other teachers.
As a mentor, I believe very strongly that I must lead by example. The way I dress, they way I speak and the way I treat my younger counterparts are all ways of showing what I expect of the students in terms of how to behave and interact with each other. I do not believe that it is appropriate to discuss other teachers or programs with them besides having a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards someone making an effort in our field. My opinions on the quality and/or level of ability of others are not going to build up the student in any way, and would only create an environment of negativity that is inefficient when we are creating art. Expressing personal thoughts (whether fact or rumour) that do not lift up the person in question only serves to undermine that person in the mind of the student, and could ultimately strip the student of all trust towards her/him.
This can become difficult when, in our positions, we are also trying to teach and counsel our students. This will be my next blog musing, I think!
