More Quotes About Teaching by Augusta Read Thomas
Music's eternal quality is its capacity for change, transformation and renewal. As such, there is an abundance to celebrate and to learn from one another.
"Teaching is a natural extension of my creative process and of my avid enthusiasm for and curiosity about the music of others.
As a constant listener to music of many kinds, I have developed a reasonably broad and deep knowledge of the music of our time. Sharing enthusiasm for a wide array of music(s) when working with students is a joy, a deeply felt commitment, and an integrated part of my artistic existence.
No one composer, style, school of thought and practice or historical period can claim a monopoly of music's truths. I urge our students to make each of their compositions its own totally special and distinctive galaxy. Excellent composers seek something genuinely individual — a moment of exquisite humanity and raw soul — giving us music that is alive, that jumps off the page and out of the instruments and voices as if something big is at stake. If one creates music that is honest, personal, and is technically and imaginatively elegant in its articulation, it will find its audience — whoever or wherever they may be.
Desire to make music comes from very deep inside and from profound necessity. The urge to make and share music (to communicate, if you will) is vivid, and implied in this passion to express is a recipient of the expression — someone, anyone who is a willing listener. In the specific case of private composition teaching, teachers are often the first "audience members." Therefore, in weekly lessons, I celebrate the specificity of each composition, by each student, on a case-by-case basis, with its exclusive shadings and gradations, with listening that is varied stylistically, close, granular, and refined. I react candidly with focus and passion so that together we can celebrate the certainty that music is multifaceted and nuanced in infinite measure as well as inspire one another to compose compositions that are works of art on their own terms."
Augusta Read Thomas
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