Musical Musings

Well hello there, I am Stephanie. As this is my first video with Virtual Sheet Music, I'd like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself and to talk about the aims and objectives of the videos I'll be making and sharing with you.

So firstly, a bit about myself, after a music degree from Oxford University and a post grad from Edmore University, I spent 15 years working in International Education. Now this, what convinced me that I was ultimately my best boss. Who isn't? And I'm now freelance doing a myriad of different things inclusive of running my own online music education company. I'm principally a violinist. Although I only ever use piano in my class teaching for demonstrating concepts and for accompanying students in exams and shows.

I would however love to be Andrew Lloyd Webber. Well actually, that's a bit of a lie because I wouldn't love to be him, so much as I love his reputation as a musical composer. Because yes I confess, I've written my own musical. And whilst I'm desperately waiting for Broadway to call me, hmm, I am currently collaborating with an Italian cabaret artist on my second musical which just happens to be a chamber musical.

Now as a teacher, one of the main observations I've made over the years is that not enough emphasis is placed upon critical thinking in education: whether it be French, Geography, History, whatever and obviously, Music. Teachers are really good at providing information of course. And they generally, though not always I have to say, they generally know their subject well. Yet often the most valuable learning comes when personal analysis and reflection, that is a real mental approach, are at the heart of study. This approach forces the learner to stand outside of himself or herself and honestly face up to the positives and the negatives in learning: an objective self-analysis, if you will. And this in turn creates an internal dialogue, which if encouraged spills into and greatly assists in all areas of life.

Let's face it. Critical thinking whether for music, weight loss, or starting a new career, critical thinking is essential for pushing back from tears. So, the idea behind the videos that I'll be producing is to stimulate this all important critical thinking by encouraging dialogue with myself and others through various musical themes and topics.

Now given my educational background, I'll tend to examine music from this perspective. But please note, adults as well as children are lifelong learners. So my treatment invariably is holistic, and will go beyond just the obvious. My discussions, dare I say it, ramblings and at times provocations, will inevitably spill into other areas. Neither music nor any other subject is an island after all. So hopefully, these topics and themes will inspire you to participate whether this be in proving me wrong, adding a new perspective, opening up greater dialogue, or just stopping by to say hi.

My monthly videos will not only reflect my own musings, observations, and dare I say it, neurosis, but will incorporate your ideas. After all, the best ideas invariably come from a team. So, let's be that team. If you've already got some ideas and observations for me, please do get in touch via Virtual Sheet Music. And above all, let's inspire each other to talk intelligently about music and yes, in certain circles this still happens. So, I'm really looking forward to hearing from you, as I say, through Virtual Music. But if I don't hear from you, I will see you next month. Good bye.

Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com

Thank you for your comment, question or request!

Comment/Question deleted successfully.

Post a comment, question or special request:

Comments or questions must be between 3 and 10,000 characters long.

You may: Login  or  

Otherwise, fill out the form below to post your comment:

Add your name below:


Add your email below: (to receive replies, will not be displayed or shared)


For verification purposes, please enter the word MUSIC in the field below

---