As a busy music teacher, I find it far too easy to dismiss things that aren't immediately and obviously relevant, and, as a consequence, my initial reaction was to reject this book for review. Admittedly, I was having a bad day, and I apologise to the author for approaching this publication negatively. However, I'd like the opportunity to explain my initial reflex.
Seen through the filter of a constant lack of respect for the arts and artists from the UK government, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis and a smattering of burnout, my bad day is one that can likely be imagined by many. We have all been ground down to such a point that nothing short of a 'master reset' seems the only viable option. So, I rebooted my passion for teaching and performing, opened the book and dived in.
Nobody is born with all the answers and experience required to master their job on the first day, and Dr Merlin B Thompson's contribution to instrumental music teachers everywhere is exactly what's required to plug these gaps. This is an engaging and insightful resource from which music teachers will all benefit from reading. To be honest, I wish that someone had sat me down when I started out and forced me to read this book and make notes, and keep as something to reference when ‘issues' arose. I shall be recommending this book to my students.
It is pleasing to note that the author recommends taking an interest in the student's character, as opposed to just listening to them play the flute for half an hour. I love this as I'm a massive subscriber to the theory that 'players play their characters'. To scratch the surface of one's students and understand who you are teaching is high on the list of Thompson's priorities, and he provides many examples from members from his teaching studio to help illustrate his point.
Couple this with a genuine ability to teach the subject he is an expert in, I imagine that his students are a contented and successful bunch. Thompson's approach to teaching music lessons is about as holistic as it gets, and the book serves as a great tool to dip in and out of when one needs inspiration. The book is a slim volume that will easily fit in your rucksack, making it portable and accessible for early-career educators and experienced teachers alike.
