I gave a short introduction to the flute to a class of year sevens this morning, to encourage students to sign up for flute lessons. In the past, addressing a whole class would have made me a little nervous – I normally teach one-to-one or small groups – but today I was confident and excited. The reason being that I am on a mission!
I love the fact that I can stand in front of a class of 11/12 year olds and say “Hello, my name is Ruth and I make my living by playing the flute.” No careers advisor is going to tell them that you can do that! Mine certainly didn’t when I was in year nine. Despite the fact that I lived and breathed music, and I was well on my way to grade 8 flute and piano in my mid-teens, my careers advice was to become a Nature Park Ranger.
I love the fact that I have such a wide circle of creative friends and collegues from whom I have learnt, and continue to learn, so much about playing, teaching, sharing and creating. This makes me a conduit of musical and creative possibilities! I love giving people of all ages the chance to reimagine themselves.
I stood in front of the class and played various examples of different flute styles – without sheet music (first time I have done this) – and being able to look at them as they all sat there engaged, curious, surprised – was fab. To guide them all through breathing exercises and help them make funny flute playing faces was a gift!
The desire to connect with people, takes away my fear of fear. To be vulnerable and together, not vulnerable and alone.
As a musician, I am so grateful for the ways - educating, performing, composing, listening - I can connect with people.
I love the fact that I can stand in front of a class of 11/12 year olds and say “Hello, my name is Ruth and I make my living by playing the flute.” No careers advisor is going to tell them that you can do that! Mine certainly didn’t when I was in year nine. Despite the fact that I lived and breathed music, and I was well on my way to grade 8 flute and piano in my mid-teens, my careers advice was to become a Nature Park Ranger.
I love the fact that I have such a wide circle of creative friends and collegues from whom I have learnt, and continue to learn, so much about playing, teaching, sharing and creating. This makes me a conduit of musical and creative possibilities! I love giving people of all ages the chance to reimagine themselves.
I stood in front of the class and played various examples of different flute styles – without sheet music (first time I have done this) – and being able to look at them as they all sat there engaged, curious, surprised – was fab. To guide them all through breathing exercises and help them make funny flute playing faces was a gift!
The desire to connect with people, takes away my fear of fear. To be vulnerable and together, not vulnerable and alone.
As a musician, I am so grateful for the ways - educating, performing, composing, listening - I can connect with people.
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