This clip is a scene from the 1995 film, Mr. Holland’s Opus. Mr. Holland is a music teacher attempting to restore the music program at a high school. After seeing a lack of interest in his students, Mr. Holland strays away from traditional teaching methods. At the beginning of the movie, Mr. Holland struggles to ‘fit in’ amongst the staff and students. As the film progresses, he begins to find his place and discovers his calling: to teach his students to love music. In this clip, Mr. Holland helps a clarinet player named Gertrude Lang. Gertrude practices every day, but struggles in band. Mr. Holland’s teaching approach to this situation is a unique one. First, he isolates the problem. Gertrude practices daily, and continues to have issues with her clarinet. Instead of “teaching notes” and repeating the same spiel Gertrude likely hears on a regular basis, he personalizes the situation. He asks Gertrude if playing the clarinet is “fun” for her. He asks her what her favourite part of herself is. She responds, saying she loves her hair, because her father says it looks like a sunset. In response to this, Mr. Holland tells her to “play the sunset”. He is encouraging, and shares in her happiness when she finally achieves a beautiful sound. Mr. Holland does not sugar-coat the problem, but approaches it from an interesting angle. This is an example of exceptionally good teaching. Mr. Holland makes himself available for individual coaching. His method “works” because he makes the learning of music a positive, personal experience. That is why I chose this clip. It is a refreshing example of music education. It serves as a reminder of why we love music, and why music educators are important. They do more than teach notes and rhythms; they remind us of the heart behind the music.
This is a scene from Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams’ character, John Keating, is an English teacher at an all-male preparatory high school. Similar to Mr. Holland from Mr. Holland’s Opus, Mr. Keating exemplifies an unorthodox, yet effective, teaching style. He steps away from the traditional, strict, textbook learning that the school is known for. He uses the classroom to inspire his students. He takes them out of their comfort zones and encourages them to discover themselves and “seize the day”. In this scene, Mr. Keating brings Todd, a shy student, to the front of the class and helps him to discover his ability to write poetry. In this moment, Todd lets go of his quiet, reserved tendencies. He is able to open up in front of the class, all while learning about poetry. This is teaching as it is meant to be. Mr. Keating, while he could choose the easy route and stick strictly to curriculum, steps outside of the box and turns his classroom into a place of both learning and self-discovery. He creates a trusting atmosphere in the classroom, which is crucial to make any learning experience a positive one. He does not allow for there to be “invisible students”; he treats each member of the class as an intellectual, creative individual. He tells Todd not to worry about his classmates’ laughter. In doing this, he discourages disrespect amongst students. Although this clip is not an example of music education, it certainly portrays teaching styles that can be used in any classroom. Mr. Keating’s teaching philosophy is something to learn from, which is why I think it is important to share.