I found this text and interesting read about studio lessons and how they can affect not only to the student but the teacher as well. It’s true that there’s an assumption that studio teaching is a beneficial way to learn music but not many people talk about the possible disadvantages of it. I think the metaphor of the secret garden is definitely an example of this, as explained in the text. I think that the metaphor itself give a fantasy feeling to studio learning and makes it overly optimistic as well. The truth is, one on one learning doesn't work for everyone and there are so many factors that can play into this especially since the personal relationship made between the student and teacher is crucial for progress and learning. I found it interesting how the text talked about the need for both the teacher and the student to be exposed in the environment since there is an assumption that it’s only the student.
It’s surprising to see that what I thought was a benefit of learning music in the studio, the one on one, private, secluded lessons have many issues that may surface with it as well for the student and the teacher. For example, it automatically creates an imbalanced power dynamic between the teacher and the student that the teacher could easily take advantage of and on the other hand, teaching in such a secluded environment means that it’s difficult for music teachers to socialize with others in the same craft resulting the sense of having no support.
It’s frustrating that there are still under-qualified people teaching in conservatories and other institutions. I think that the assumptions that having a performance degree is sufficient enough to have the knowledge and ability to teach are incorrect. It’s important for teachers to have a degree or course in teaching before they begin to take on students. There needs to be a sense of responsibility taken on part of the undergrad students and teachers to be sure that they are qualified and ready to teach before they begin. Without training, there is the chance that you will teach techniques based on how you learned them from a previous teacher, assuming that what you learned is correct, whereas that may not necessarily be true.
I would like to say to the author that the text was insightful and it gave me new perspectives of looking at studio learning but also, a new perspective on teaching. I understand that as an undergraduate student myself, it’s important for me not to just to see teaching music as a fall back career as most of us undergrad students do.
Burwell, K., Carey, G., & Bennett, D. (2017). Isolation in studio music teaching: The secret garden. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, 1474022217736581.
