Milt’s Mindful Moment #2

This month’s mindful moment is brought to you by the animal kingdom! (Bet you didn’t see that coming, did you?). More specifically, let’s take a quick look at what geese, American Bison (okay, buffalo) and rats have to offer music educators. Because they really do have something to offer. Truly. Let’s start with the family Anatidae: geese!

I’ll bet you’ve heard the story on the honkers. Geese fly in a “V” because it provides greater lift and is aerodynamic, thereby taking less energy. They take turns leading the formation as fatigue dictates. An injured goose is never left behind. Geese in front “honk” to encourage others.

The family Bovidae: the American Bison/Buffalo. Fewer know this rather incredible fact. When faced with inclement weather, say rain or a snowstorm, buffalo will always turn into the storm, rather than run away like the rest of the animal kingdom! Years of genetic adaptation have instilled in them that it is best to face the storm and run toward it, which allows them to move through it quicker, rather than simply away from it, prolonging its effects.

And the family Muridae? Well, did you know that rats love to laugh when they’re happy? Are incredibly empathetic toward each other? Value others in their colony and have an incredible ability to learn from any given situation and adapt what they’ve learned to other situations?

Okay, you’re wondering where the music education stuff fits. Fair question. And here you go. Whether it’s your score study (hint, hint), rehearsal techniques, finding great pieces, instrument pedagogy, mentorship – geese tell us that the resources we need are right around us, if we simply reach out to others. Apply those same concepts to our ensembles and music classes and, well, you get the drift. Those times when rehearsals aren’t’ going well? We want to take the path of least persistence? There’s trouble brewing with a student, parent, colleague, administrator, family member, etc.? The buffalo tells us to face it, to deal with it, no matter how difficult it might be. To go “the other way” is to risk staying “in the storm” longer. And the rats? C’mon, if you can’t apply those traits . . .

So, there you go. There are times when our music – and personal – journeys can benefit by remembering the lessons of the goose, buffalo or even the rat. Our students can benefit, too. Most importantly, these lessons can help us to stay connected with our authentic selves, the key to where our best teaching and best music making come from!