Maine Motif Issue 2, Vol. II (Winter, 2018) | Page 37

“As neighbors, Frank and I have capitalized on our common interests in music,
education and conducting, and our relationship has grown to one of deep respect and
admiration.”
TL: “What are your thoughts on the future of music education?”
MR: “All of humanity has an inherent need to be expressive. Long before notation,
instruments, composers, teachers and conductors, people were singing and dancing to
express their creative nature.
The purpose of music education, should be to stimulate, nurture and enhance the
creative, imaginative and expressive spirit of our students….qualities that have been a
part of their being long before they entered our rehearsal halls and classrooms.
Therefore, our goal must be to nurture a life-long love affair with music and the creative
process. This begins with the understanding that great music educators are first and
foremost outstanding musicians. We are not likely to aspire to that which we have not
experienced. This, of course, means the ownership of high level craftsmanship
(vocabulary) and musical experiences (thought) of a spiritually transforming nature.
The process of educating is a collaborative process and must not rest solely on the
shoulders of our colleagues in the public schools. Music academics, performers,
composers, conductors and arts administrators must all share in the responsibility of
educating a public of future arts consumers. It is not enough to offer a flawless
performance. We must provide experiences capable of enhancing the audiences ability
to understand, thus appreciate the art