As Director of Music for the past 26 years, I have always believed that if musicians are inspired, they will want to learn, to work, be part of a team and be the very best they can be.
Music is a commitment. Let’s be honest, what isn’t. However, music is a long term commitment. It isn’t something with instant success (like a game on a computer). It is something that, over time, can be an incredible experiences, bringing musicians together, creating friendships for life, bringing families together and teaching so many valuable lie skills.
If you are part of it, put your heart in it. Amazing opportunities lie around the corner.
My top tips for success with Team Music:
Music takes time.
Put in the time at home. Younger students will need leading with practice, to be taught how to practice. To have practice in their daily routines. Musicians need to practice. Only with hard work will success follow.
Work with us.
We can’t do it for you. We are all busy, so please allocate the time to music. Read the messages we send, celebrate our music. You’ve allocated the fees, so why not the time to help develop your investment? Being busy is not an excuse!
Commit.
There is menu of amazing choices at school, and students can’t do everything. Music is a commitment. A team. What lessons are we teaching if we just say ‘come when you can’? A team is a team. A reliable musician is a busy musician.
Learn to read music.
Yes some famous musicians don’t read music, but we need you to read music to be your very best. Musicians now need to have a portfolio of skills, including reading music.
Let us know when things are not going well.
Students change, life changes, so let us be the constant in a life that adapts and grows with the musician. It’s all about talking.
Be part of Team Music.
Work with us. Take our advice. Embrace our distinctive ethos. Come to the concerts. What we have is incredibly unique with our all-through music. You simply don’t get this anywhere else.
Say ‘thank you’.
This can be missed. I have a whole team working to get the very best out of each musician. ‘Thank you’ costs nothing but means the world. Please be grateful!
Say ‘well done’ at home. All the time. Celebrate. Congratulate.
We will continue to do the very best for you, our way, with your families as part of the journey.
Thank you.
Mark Taylor, Director of Music
Simon Balle Music and the Laurel Education Trust.
