I first heard of musiConnects from a former cellist of the Boston Public Quartet, Mike Dahlberg. He was super excited about the mission, and always telling great stories about the students involved. He knew that I was interested in this type of work, and asked me if I was available to sub. I then became Betsy's long-term sub at the Sumner school as she went on maternity leave in 2012! Since then, it has been an exciting journey being a part of the start of the Sumner Quartet, and watching musiConnects grow.
For many students that I've worked with, I begin to see a new curiosity, less fear of failure, and a sense of ownership through music. At the end of the year, we have begun to ask students to make a journal entry to reflect on the year, and it's always interesting to see which moments a student holds dear. Some of my favorite answers have been: "Learning to play low 2's!", "Learning to read music and how to count a whole rest", "I like learning about the viola because it is one of a kind" and "My favorite thing I learned was there are still many things I can learn, and even the people who have been playing an instrument for several years are still learning." These quotes, among others throughout the year's lessons, are really what our mission is about. Allowing a student to explore something new, think creatively, and have "light bulb moments"!
The musiConnects model is definitely very unique, in that it engages everyone in so many different ways. For the teachers, it's exciting that we are also a part of a professional string quartet. For the students, they are able to have individualized attention and are always surrounded by great music. For the families, they are able to come to great concerts, and see their student grow in an exciting new way. Because of all these different aspects, everyone is able to be engaged and contribute in many different ways, and we all learn from each other. There's really no telling what this new empowerment through music could do for a community.
For many students that I've worked with, I begin to see a new curiosity, less fear of failure, and a sense of ownership through music. At the end of the year, we have begun to ask students to make a journal entry to reflect on the year, and it's always interesting to see which moments a student holds dear. Some of my favorite answers have been: "Learning to play low 2's!", "Learning to read music and how to count a whole rest", "I like learning about the viola because it is one of a kind" and "My favorite thing I learned was there are still many things I can learn, and even the people who have been playing an instrument for several years are still learning." These quotes, among others throughout the year's lessons, are really what our mission is about. Allowing a student to explore something new, think creatively, and have "light bulb moments"!
The musiConnects model is definitely very unique, in that it engages everyone in so many different ways. For the teachers, it's exciting that we are also a part of a professional string quartet. For the students, they are able to have individualized attention and are always surrounded by great music. For the families, they are able to come to great concerts, and see their student grow in an exciting new way. Because of all these different aspects, everyone is able to be engaged and contribute in many different ways, and we all learn from each other. There's really no telling what this new empowerment through music could do for a community.
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