This week’s reading was about the different ways that musicians learn their music, specifically adults. In general, there are 3 ways that people learn. Formal, Non-formal, and Informal.
Formal is where you learn in an institution where you get evaluated and the teacher provides material for what to do, and how to. Formal learning is typically lead by one teacher/conductor and everyone else follows. An example would be at ensembles. The difference between adolescents and adults is that adults usually will want a purpose as to what they are learning. The need structure in their learnings, need to thinking critically and to be able to reflect on themselves.
Non-formal is almost the same as formal, but less regulated. There is still a leader however there the leadership among the team is more spread out. There is more flexibility to accommodate for those who struggle at one skill, rather than the teacher teaches a skill, and you work on it yourself on your own time. Non-formal makes sure that everyone moves at the same pace at the same time. There is also more interaction between everyone.
In-Formal is there is no lesson planned out, but the material is learned through participation and observation. Material is learned through social gatherings, such as at churches, festivals, and concerts. Another way is by self-initiative by watching videos, recordings ,and media.
I used to think that if you didn’t get extensive one-on-one training for music, you wouldn’t be as well prepared as those who did. Especially as an adult, your brain takes longer to process new learnings. However, as I was telling my dad about this article through our daily call, he told me that it is true, however, as long as you exercise your mind often, it shouldn’t be a problem. Another generic response would be as long as you are passionate about the subject, then it would be easier to process.
Something that I have questions about is about formal practices. How does one determine what is the “correct” way to play something when you are being graded? For example, for informal learning, you have your own twist and interpretation to the way you participate / perform because there is no structure into how to embrace the music.
Thank you for your thoughtful response and especially your final thought-provoking question! You are asking here how it is possible, in formal music education, for someone to determine the “correct” way to play something when a student is being graded. I would respond to that question by saying that is one of the most difficult questions that arises within formal music performance assessments. You are asking a great question here – who determines what “excellence” or “correctness” is within musical performance? Which tradition (typically the Western classical canon) is determining this? Should other interpretations of performing music be encouraged? As you get into different philosophy of music education scholars, it becomes evident that there are various philosophies of music education…