Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 edition. Excerpt: ... summer study self-conducted For many years I have come into contact with teachers applying for positions. Their greatest defects have been: 1. Lack of magnetism through getting into ruts; 2. Lack of technic and repertoire because "too tired" to practice during teaching term. The chief thing in summer is to "thaw out" your personality. Try to do the things you teach so "authoritatively." Do not live on past recitals and ancient war horses. Study new works. Meet new people. Give your winter friends a vacation. Good for both. Read new books on general history to supplement your history of music; on psychology to bring your teaching methods up to date, and read good novels to escape from yourself. (They may also increase your vocabulary, which usually is in no danger of being too inclusive.) Establish a viewpoint strong enough to last at least ten months. Examine other technical methods. There are others and they bring as good results as yours. Go fishing occasionally; but sometimes forget to take your line. The problem is to secure not simply a relaxation of the muscles, but a relaxation of the pupil's ) mind--the relieving of mental tension, whether due to fear or to lack of variety in practice. We want not only analysis, but synthesis. The two processes should be handled in just proportion. Make use of previous study whenever possible. Past experiences are too little utilized. The reason is that some particular method is made a fetich. A teacher is almost criminal if he imposes a method beyond the point of assimilation. Learn to diagnose the pupil's actual condition. Our prescriptions are often given too mechanically. Ways of practicing should be closely supervised. All homework should be done according to an intelligent schedule. Give...
