Professional Development Opportunity
for NEMFA Members

For additional course information

Edward Wilkin: wilkine@lhedu.org

(201) 575-1233

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Required Texts

Jordan, J. M. (1999). The musician's soul: A journey examining spirituality for performers, teachers, composers, conductors, and music educators. GIA. ISBN: 978-1579990589

Jordan, J. M., & Thomas, N. (2010). Toward center: The art of being for musicians, actors, dancers, and teachers. GIA Publications. ISBN: 978-1579997694

Other Readings/Texts (Not Required):

Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead: brave work, tough conversations, whole hearts. New York: Random House. ISBN: 978-0399592522 ($20).

Course Options: 3 Credits (March 5 – April 1); 1 Credit (March 19 – 26); Certificate of Professional Development (NO credit, but required to write a reflection paper).

To Register:  – Please use this link here: Registration

(Link in case the one above does not work): https://forms.gle/cSioPtzdiJdBb5xG6

Newly added for NEMFA Professional Development Opportunity:

Course Description:

As a music educator and conductor there is so much more to making music as the leader on the podium. Music is about connection, building relationships, and providing a meaning learning experience for any aged ensemble we conduct.

Throughout this course music educators both private and public, and music studio teachers can practically apply concepts through continuous reflection to our practice on and off the music podium while effectively implementing new learning from master conductors we watch. In order to effectively complete this course, students must have access to attend a Music Festival (i.e., NEMFA Concert Festival, All-State, various District and Local Festivals, etc.). Please reach out for approval of festival choice. Virtual classes, including the 1st class, will be determined by the majority of the participants in the class via email about 2 weeks before the start of the course.

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Audience: Music Educators Private and Public Schools, and Studio Teachers

Course Goals & Objectives:

Throughout this four (4) week course, those enrolled will be introduced to several methods and techniques of leadership, reflection, and centering our being on and off the podium. Students will be guided through a personal practice of reflective exercises and personalized coaching between instructor and student to foster a deeper understanding of the how we can build a core rooted through observation of master conductors, while exploring what it means to journey toward our creative center. Using real-life practices, students will reflect on processes and techniques that will work best for them in their roll through readings, observation at a music festival, and then develop a plan of action that will include the application of new learnings. Facilitation will be through group discussion and personal meetings. On completion of the course, the successful student will be able to:

1. Define and understand the journey of reflection as we move toward our center on and off the podium as musicians.

2. Define effective podium leadership, rehearsal technique, and the process of reflection we can take as musicians.

Implement new learning into the real-world situations where the student works simultaneously as course learning is moving forward (Plan of Action).