Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • December 2015
9
We all want to enjoy the benefits of
professional success, and in our effort
to arrive at this goal we often find
ourselves constantly working to attain
the level of proficiency required to be
deemed successful by our colleagues,
our supervisors, our students, our
communities, etc.
What are the
requisites for success in the field of
music education? Are they:
• Developing a balanced program
in both performance, pedagogy,
substantive curriculum, school pride,
and community involvement?
• Receiving an invitation to perform
in a national spotlight event with
other stellar musical groups?
• Becoming the flagship of the
community and being constantly
recognized for outstanding musical
achievements accompanied with
public accolades?
• Having a large number of student
musicians qualify for various honor
groups?
• Developing many students who
pursue music in their college life?
Do we really know the “blueprint
of program success,” or is this all
a combination of
opinions generated
by others in our
profession? Isn’t the
answer to each of the
above questions, a
resounding, “YES!”?
While we certainly
have many guidelines
to ensure we are
moving in a positive
direction, there are
many variations of
the success-theme
template.
Perhaps if we look
at it from a different
perspective, we can
understand more
about this perplexing
question by studying other successful
directors, those who have traversed
the pathway-of-excellence. Herein lies
an important component we often
overlook as we develop our own
programs.
What is it that makes this
educator a resounding success? The
answer, while complicated, appears
to be rather simple:
• A command of the needed skills,
combined with an ongoing study for
self-improvement. Veteran teachers
know, “The more you know, the more
you don’t know.” It is imperative we
continue to refine our musical talents/
skills while embracing the latest in the
evolving world of technology.
• A relentless work ethic unknown
in common hours. There truly is no
shortcut to success. The shortcut is, in
fact, the ongoing personal commitment
to achieving quality in each and
every aspect of
our personal and
professional lives.
• A genuine love
for students and
a passion to share
music with these
i mp r e s s i o n a b l e
young minds. The
teachers who have
a lasting impact on
their students are
those who exude
a love-of-music
combined with a
heartfelt desire to
enrich the lives of
their “learners” by
bringing music to
their lives.
• A giving spirit eager to convey
the immeasurable benefits of music-
making to everyone; students, parents,
fellow faculty members, and ALL.
The
master teachers
see everyone as
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
The Keys to Program Success
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw
back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and
creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which
kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one
definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts
of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have
occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents,
meetings and material assistance which no man could have
dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or
dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic
in it. Begin it now.”
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
(1749-1832, German Poet, Dramatist, Novelist)
The master teachers
see everyone as a
potential musician;
their entire world
is a classroom. The
successful teachers
have learned to
make the process
(the journey) as well
as the product (the
destination) a joyful
journey. What an
incredible responsibility
we have; what a
remarkable opportunity
we have.
