At this time, I am currently learning two languages: Mandarin Chinese and French. Throughout my studies, I have learned one very crucial thing about language learning; you can not learn a language without knowing about it’s culture. They are intertwined intimately with each other. Every video I watched, every song I listened to, every person I talked to in a foreign language, made me learn more about how the language is spoken and used. It also made me learn about what was being talked about.
Music is a language on it’s own, and so to learn music is to learn about music’s culture. This includes listening to different genres of music, using music as expression, and watching other musicians play. Unfortunately, learning the piano can be a very lonely endeavor. A lot of the times, pianists are playing music by themselves. What can be the most beneficial aspect of playing the capable piano can also be the most isolating. The onus of learning music’s culture, becomes the teacher’s, parents’ and student’s responsibility.
More About How to introduce Music as Culture
- Expose children to multiple types of music
Sometimes, it is tough for young pianists to read multiple genres of music because it is currently outside of their ability level. This is why listening is so important. Like children who are learning their first language, just because they are not yet capable of speaking it, it does not mean that having them listen to a fluent speaker speak is ineffective. Their little ears are listening and absorbing information! This allows young pianists to start to hear the commonalities and differences between different types of music. - Using Music as Expression
When musicians are able to use music as a form of expression, rather than technical execution, they are able to participate in what makes music culture so great. Some ways we can encourage this, is to give young children emotion words as they play music, so they connect the heart, ears and fingers. As well, young pianists can “play-plan” their music, so that their music has mental intent before the physical action. - Watch other musicians play
Watching others play music is perhaps one of the most important parts of becoming a musician! Whether it is on Youtube, or in a live concert, watching other musicians work gives a sense of belonging, and creates the musician culture when you see common struggles and achievements. Whenever possible, give young pianists the opportunity to view music culture. This allows young pianists to realize that they are part of a global community, with much more to learn, and much more to share.
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