On the Coast – Families Issue 92 | February / March 18 | Page 23

Dorian Mode

www.singpro.com.au
“The child’s brain responds powerfully to
music ...enhancing all other learning.”
Richard Gill, MD Vic Opera, SSO, Musica Viva. June 5, 2016
According to Richard Gill, your children
are being discriminated against if they are
not receiving a well-planned and properly
taught music program at school. They are
being denied educational opportunities and
are being disadvantaged when compared
with the small number of Australian children
who do receive a good music education.
Dr Dorian Mode is an award-winning
jazz musician and music educator who
has been teaching contemporary singing
and piano for over 20 years.
It’s important to start your kids early
when it comes to music. It facilitates
learning in all other areas of schooling and
it makes them more well-rounded people.
Music is an exercise in concentration;
something lacking in todays Xbox, cyber
generation. It also teaches an appreciation
of beauty. This is hard to quantify in a world
of fiscal outcomes but enriching the soul
has value.
Have you noticed a difference in music
education since the internet?
Yes I’ve noticed kids have less concentration
these days. And it’s harder for them to
practice. You really need to take away their
phones when they practice music. Texting is
constant interruption. As is Facebook.
When should kids start learning music?
Really young children, such as toddlers,
should start the early childhood learning
course at the Central Coast Conservatorium
of Music. Children over 7 or 8 years old
should seek one on one tuition with a
qualified teacher. I’ve had a great success
with students over the years including
numerous winners and finalists in television
talent shows but I’m most proud of Liam
Burrows – who I’ve taught since he was
12. Liam was a finalist in the Thelonious
Monk International Jazz Competition in LA
recently. Liam is the only Australian singer
to ever be a finalist. I’ve also had one of my
HSC students, Olivia, nominated for Encore
to perform at the Opera House this year. It’s
exciting nurturing young talent.
Should I make my kids practice?
Do you make your kids brush their teeth?
If you do, the answer is self explanatory. If
you think music is good for your kids, make
them practice. What’s 20mins away from the
internet or Xbox?
How much time should my kids
practice?
That varies from child to child. But as the
man said: “from little things – big things
grow.” Start small. With my kids, I started by
demanding 7 mins a day five days a week.
My eldest son – since graduated from my
alma mater, the NSW Conservatorium of
Music – now practices 7 hours as day 7 days
a week. Bribes are good too. You might
say 10 mins of practice equals 20 mins
of playstation. Think outside the square.
But demand some practice time – like any
homework.
To study with Dorian email him directly at me@doria