Why I Love Teaching Music
Jennifer Sacher Wiley, D.M.A.
Dr. Wiley, as violinist, educator, producer and conductor, your life revolves around music and artistic endeavors. Which of these roles comes most natural to you?
I will definitely say teaching: all aspects of teaching, in front of the orchestra, with my private students or in the classroom.
Choosing classical music seems a natural path for you as the daughter of two musicians. Do you think that your children will follow in your footsteps?
My daughter, no. It’s too early to tell with my son. But I’m sure that the presence of music in the home has
connected us emotionally and intellectually over the years. We all share a love for art of all kinds and I believe that has provided a spiritual center for our family.
From your experiences, what effects does classical music play in communities throughout the US today?
For me, as a teacher, I see opportunities for people to connect through community orchestras and in our violin studio. Even as we lament the dwindling resources for arts programs, I note that our ability to help children achieve musical excellence has grown tremendously and continues to grow. It seems that parents are still quite eager for their children to study music at an in-depth level.
What are some challenges and rewards in the arts and specifically in classical music?
I would like to see our music curriculums and degrees continue to broaden in scope, making sure that our students are well rounded and interested in all arts. I think continued work with children is the best way for our communities to continue to support classical music.
What do you think of gender differences in classical music or is this a subject you try to avoid entirely?
I think women are treated differently than men. I think we are offered fewer opportunities and are communicated with in a less deferential way.
I will definitely say teaching: all aspects of teaching, in front of the orchestra, with my private students or in the classroom.
Choosing classical music seems a natural path for you as the daughter of two musicians. Do you think that your children will follow in your footsteps?
My daughter, no. It’s too early to tell with my son. But I’m sure that the presence of music in the home has
connected us emotionally and intellectually over the years. We all share a love for art of all kinds and I believe that has provided a spiritual center for our family.
From your experiences, what effects does classical music play in communities throughout the US today?
For me, as a teacher, I see opportunities for people to connect through community orchestras and in our violin studio. Even as we lament the dwindling resources for arts programs, I note that our ability to help children achieve musical excellence has grown tremendously and continues to grow. It seems that parents are still quite eager for their children to study music at an in-depth level.
What are some challenges and rewards in the arts and specifically in classical music?
I would like to see our music curriculums and degrees continue to broaden in scope, making sure that our students are well rounded and interested in all arts. I think continued work with children is the best way for our communities to continue to support classical music.
What do you think of gender differences in classical music or is this a subject you try to avoid entirely?
I think women are treated differently than men. I think we are offered fewer opportunities and are communicated with in a less deferential way.
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What strategies do you use to attract the attention of students, collaborators, and audiences knowing that attention spans are minimal and information overload is inevitable?
I give pre-concert lectures for all of my concerts. I don’t over-program. I have written several family/educational “concert dramas” that are intended to teach audiences how to listen.
In the end, fill in the blanks...
Introducing children to classical music means… showing how much you love the music yourself.
The best audience… is the one that has the most open mind.
The most beloved piece of repertoire… is the piece that has the most meaning associated with it for the listener.
The most misunderstood aspect of classical music… is that all of it sounds the same, and that live performers can’t hear audience noise while they’re playing.
New Music is… hard to evaluate. Not all of it is great and sometimes the emperor has no clothes. Some composers write to impress rather than writing from their hearts.
I like to think of teaching who’s in front of me, not always thinking about what better, more talented student might be coming through the door in the future. So I guess my motto is “Teach Who’s Here”.
Thank you!
I give pre-concert lectures for all of my concerts. I don’t over-program. I have written several family/educational “concert dramas” that are intended to teach audiences how to listen.
In the end, fill in the blanks...
Introducing children to classical music means… showing how much you love the music yourself.
The best audience… is the one that has the most open mind.
The most beloved piece of repertoire… is the piece that has the most meaning associated with it for the listener.
The most misunderstood aspect of classical music… is that all of it sounds the same, and that live performers can’t hear audience noise while they’re playing.
New Music is… hard to evaluate. Not all of it is great and sometimes the emperor has no clothes. Some composers write to impress rather than writing from their hearts.
I like to think of teaching who’s in front of me, not always thinking about what better, more talented student might be coming through the door in the future. So I guess my motto is “Teach Who’s Here”.
Thank you!
