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A PASSION FOR MUSIC
Curriculum Connections: Student Handout
Select one the projects below to further explore the experience of being a musician. Each project will require you to:
- Research a topic or idea that will take you deeper into what it means to be a musician pursuing a career in this field.
- Plan or design something that allows you to communicate your new knowledge and understanding to others.
- Share your work through the presentation or display of the finished product.
Project #1: Composing and Conducting
Curriculum Focus: Careers and Music
Quincy Jones
Music Impresario
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So far, I haven't found any experience that is more pleasurable than trying to -- it takes you three, two nights to sit down at the blank page of score paper and then try to imagine and hear that orchestra sound in your head and put what you think is going to sound like you think it sounds on that paper for each instrument. And, finally having the orchestra there, and when you do the down beat -- to hear that sound -- there's no experience in the world like that.
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[ Interview ] Quincy Jones |
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Challenge: Quincy Jones describes what it feels like to compose for an orchestra and then act as the conductor and bring it all together musically for over a hundred musicians playing together. Being a composer or songwriter is a wonderful creative achievement whether it is for an entire orchestra or a single musician. Being a conductor of an orchestra or band is also another important music career. Think about the qualities and training needed for both.
Outcome: Conduct research on the music careers of composer - songwriter and/or conductor. Make a chart that outlines training required, responsibilities and activities, work settings, work opportunities, salaries etc.
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Project #2: Dealing with Performance Fears
Curriculum Focus: Careers -- Music and Sports
Wynton Marsalis
Pulitzer Prize for Music
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Wynton Marsalis: Well, let's say for example, somebody like Madonna. That makes me mad. Now it's not her, the person Madonna. It's the fact that somebody will stand in front of an audience of people, 50,000 people, and say "Everybody say 'fuck'." And, people will say "fuck." Like that will be an achievement. That makes me mad. I say, why is this an achievement?
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Challenge:Performing artists often have to deal with anxiety and nervousness when they perform. It can get in the way of a good performance and make a performer feel miserable. And it's not just musicians that feel this way. Often people in sports struggle with their nerves before a big event. Do you ever have to overcome fears and nervousness in order to do your best?
Outcome: Review Wynton Marsalis and other performing artists' interviews in the Gallery of Arts. Jot down the different ways they deal with their fears in order to achieve. Conduct the same review in the Gallery of Sports. Write a summary of the best advice and consider how you would apply it to your own life.
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