Derrick Broadaway is an educator, and in his spare time, a composer, musician and recording technician. As an advocate for lifelong learning, Derrick Broadaway discusses strategies for effective musical instruction in such environments.
From the Beatlemania frenzy to the Bieber Fever phenomenon, the allure of music and its transformative power on listeners has captivated generations. Yet, the future promises a fresh wave of exceptionally talented musicians, provided they receive the guidance to not only master their craft but also to sustain their motivation.
The pivotal question remains: what are the tried-and-true techniques employed by adept music instructors to fuel their students’ enduring passion for music, and to ensure their love for learning remains unyielding?
Below, Derrick Broadaway DDS explains the common teaching strategies that music instructors and music lovers teach people to keep them interested in music.
Derrick Broadaway DDS on the Common Teaching Strategies and Lessons to Make People Love Music
Very few people consider music to be their favorite school subject or lesson.
- How does a contralto differ from a soprano anyway?
- Why do minor and major keys sound the same in pianos and keyboards?
- Isn’t the cello just a bigger violin?
- Where is the correct finger placement for the G chord?
Derrick Broadaway DDS says that because these questions come from individuals with relatively untrained ears, music instructors often make lessons easily understandable, fun, and inspirational.
Some of the music teaching strategies they practice include:
The Conventional Method – Introducing Already-Familiar Music to People
Different age groups have specific artists familiar and well-known to each generation.
Derrick Broadaway says to think of Taylor Swift Era’s Tour hype as the 21st-century Aretha Franklin world tour.
The reason for Ed Sheeran’s success? It’s probably the same reason why Elton John is well-loved.
Though differing in generations, music teachers know that music is music. And it affects everyone similarly. As such, instructors incorporate different musicians and styles in their lessons – by using them as relevant examples for students familiar to them.
But having students listen to music they’ve already heard isn’t enough to pique or maintain their interest.
Discovering Various Musical Instruments
The great thing about music is it doesn’t discriminate – every musician has a purpose. That said, a drummer isn’t better than a guitarist. And a trombonist isn’t superior to a trianglist.
Derrick Broadaway says that to music students, the freedom to choose which instruments to use, practice, and excel in leaves plenty of room for creativity and skill building. To music instructors, having students with the utmost interest in music provides peace of mind that their teaching efforts will not be in vain.
In addition, exploring various musical instruments also boosts creativity. After all, not everyone is gifted with an angelic voice or diva-like belting abilities. And many older individuals struggle with memory or mobility issues to pluck guitar strings or bang the drums.
With this in mind, everyone can enjoy music, regardless of age, gender, or culture.
The Impact of Music – on the Mind, Body, and Soul
Besides using timely musicians as examples, many music instructors also base their lectures on culture, history, and language for students to understand the lessons better.
Derrick Broadaway DDS notes that for instance, the lyrics in several East Coast hip-hop tracks often touch on the subject of racial discrimination and poverty. On the other side of the country, West Coast rap music heavily consists of gang violence and Hollywood pressure.
To music students, listening to music that resonates with them keeps them hopeful that they can be the ones sharing their stories one day.
Derrick Broadaway also notes that even if a person’s voice or sound isn’t heard on a global scale, creating music is still a healthy mental and emotional outlet – it can be a creative form of self-expression that can heal and inspire themselves and others who hear their artistic works.
The Bottom Line
Music transcends culture and language – barriers that often limit people from communicating. However, if more people learn to channel their opinions, sentiments, and emotions through music, understanding each other is much easier.
Furthermore, several highly skilled music instructors know that the past, present, and future are interwoven by music. Derrick Broadaway notes that music instructors often incorporate timely and relevant musical trends in their lessons.
Finally, aspiring musicians seek out mentors with a wealth of musical wisdom, an outstanding background, and a track record of excellence. While music is undeniably an art, delving into its depths from an academic perspective demands a unique set of skills.
