About the project
In "Who we are", Morten Nordal and Jesper Nordal have investigated common approaches to educating rhythm guitar through interviews with a number of trained guitar teachers from Danish music schools. The project is intended as a contribution to the collegial conversation about practice. The focal point is guitar teaching at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, and the content is based on professional interviews with 18 rhythm guitar teachers, from relatively recent graduates to the experienced, geographically from Jutland to Funen and the Greater Copenhagen area, across the individual music institutions throughout the country. Both teachers and students are different, and what works for one may be completely useless for another - a paradox that can be a point in itself. The aim has therefore not been to draw a definitive conclusion or determine the 'right' teaching method, but rather to present different experiences and approaches to inspire and create reflection. The conversations also explore knowledge sharing practices - where do the inspirations come from? Textbook vs. own material, involvement of the teacher's professional work as a performing musician; what consequences does it have on the choice of material / approach to technical aspects, etc.
"Who we are" can help establish a common understanding of sharing and collaboration, and that we build on the digital experiences from the corona era. Rhythmic music's approach to instrument-oriented pedagogy is young - the Rhythmic Music Conservatory (RMC) was established in 1986 and the AM programme celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. In comparison, the classical music conservatory's pedagogical teaching has much more than 100 years of history behind it. Music conservatories must be active, commenting and guiding in relation to the food chain issue. The project can raise awareness of the potential of collaboration and help the conversation about the academic level, so that we relate to the well-being of students through professional and social development.
Read more here:
Appendix: "Who we are" - interviews with 18 rhythm guitar teachers
Article in "Musiker og musikunderviser":
" Dem vi er - en undersøgelse i rytmiske guitarlærerere praksis"
