lifelong engagement in music
Passionate and Intentional Living Kristin Tjornehoj, WMEA State Chair, Lifelong Engagement in Music
How do you keep passion alive? Can you rely on emo- tions to stay engaged your entire life? What do you do to keep yourself “on fire” for living life to its full potential? These questions deal
with all aspects of our lives from relation- ships to activities such as being a musician and/or teacher. In a day when rewards are “earned,” how do you keep the passion inside burning for musical growth without concerts or events, grades or assessments? Motivations? That is a constant challenge in the classroom and for us as individuals.
If you study healthy living, the 30 min- utes of exercise, eight hours of sleep and balanced diet suggestions can be found and reinforced from many sources. How about the motivation guide to a thriving,
passionate musician or music teacher? If you add practice, listening, networking and study to the healthy living recipe, you create an opportunity for lifelong learning. When you feel great, you have energy to put into your passions and strengthen the relationships that surround your life. We all understand that the effort one puts forth equals the rewards.
There are no shortcuts in life and quality living, so what is the prescription for this passionate, quality living plan? We can’t lead others, until we lead ourselves. Being a role model is fundamental for life as a musician. Know your part, show up, and do your best…always. Do we fall? Yes, and that is why we need to be surrounded by a community that lifts us up and en- courages growth, while treating us with grace. As lifelong learners, this is a way of living in a society that leads us to intel- lectual stimulation and growth, personal growth as a musician and leadership in your community.
“In a day when
rewards are “earned,” how do you keep the passion inside burning for musical growth without concerts or events, grades or assessments?”
People are measured by what they give: time, treasure and talent. There is no lack of needs that surround our communities, schools, music ensembles and families. One of the most remarkable things about the musical societies of Spain is they provide instruments and instruction for musicians in their ensembles. If a young person shows interest or talent, there is an outpouring of support that often lasts well into adulthood. As adults, they in-turn give back and provide support to the next generation. This infrastructure works! If you have instruments you don’t use, please share with others.
Opportunities to make music should be available to all people at every stage of life. The responsibility lies with the teacher/conductor/servant leader. As teachers, you know who you can rely on to help and support your journey. A wide variety of skill sets are needed to make any classroom or ensemble thrive. You don’t have to be good at everything, yet you are responsible for everything. Delegate! Enjoy the journey.
Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj is a music professor at UW-River Falls. Email:
kristin.tjornehoj@
uwrf.edu
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January 2021
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