Musical musings for March
Festival season is well under way. February, March & November are traditionally the busy times and so it is for me, wearing my adjudicator’s hat!
Judging at music festivals is a humbling experience. I remember my own experience as a competitor and often think how much more confident the youngsters are at that age, than I was!
There is no doubt that learning a musical instrument not only boosts brain ability and social skills but also confidence. A festival is a fantastic place to learn how to ‘perform’, thus honing communication and presentation skills. It is also an opportunity to receive feedback from a professional musician and that is where I come in these days.
I don’t find it terribly hard thinking of constructive things to say to each student. After all, they want another opinion to help them improve on their performance and it is perfectly possible to offer constructive criticism without resorting to putting the performer down.
I am horrified to hear stories (most of them from parents) who were publicly ripped to shreds by the adjudicator – one friend had her piano playing described as ‘an elephant treading in treacle’ and that comment has stayed with her 40+ years later! Words can really hurt and for a very long time. So I find the tendency of some judges on TV to insult rather than offer constructive help somewhat disturbing and can’t help but wonder why people buy into this sort of negative approach.
Anyway, another 3 festivals to go before I put my feet up for Easter!