In the world of community, development and/or educational music, it can be surprising how the basic psychology of your organisation can affect long term results. Have you ever noticed that some organisations (particularly schools) can grow a basic type of psychology? … ever noticed that the students in a particular school achieve similar results in both specific school subjects, and also on a larger long-term scale? I assure you it is not just about demographics and the quality of their teachers (although some teachers could seriously use a conducting course!)

To fully articulate the basic premise, watch this video entitled “The blue-eyed/brown-eyed experiment”  (you’ve probably already heard of it). What affected me most about this video, is that the kids’ academic performance was affected depending on whether they considered themselves superior or inferior.

The psychology of ensembles is similar, and of course it echoes the tried-and-true concept of positive re-enforcement. But there are finer nuances to this that you may not have considered.

For example, do you provide your ensemble with the opportunity to perform at significant, valued events? Or are they limited to the odd end of term assembly? Although that might be the standard that they’re at, it subconsciously communicates back to the band that that’s all they’re good for. So where’s the inspiration? Imagine the sense of achievement and pride that they would get for preparing and performing for something BIG. Maybe the school’s end of year performance/show, school fete or at the local shopping centre. The kids would walk out of rehearsal 2 inches taller thinking that they had a valued place in the school community, and that would give them reason to practice.

I have just been through this with my (now) A-grade concert band, and I’m sure they wouldn’t mind me talking about it here. I have been with the band for 5 years, and last year we entered A grade (NSW Band Association) for the first time in well over a decade. The results: we came second by just a few points, and actually won the sacred item element. The kicker: in all those years in B grade before this, we never actually won. Read that again: We never actually won B grade, yet now we were a serious threat to the A-grade champs. Just like the kids in the video who were told they were superior based on their eye colour, we had convinced ourselves that we could step up to the A-grade challenge, merely by deciding to call ourselves A-grade. In the lead-up to the competition, many players subconsciously experienced a mantra of “oops, that wasn’t A-grade, let’s improve it” during rehearsal, and it didn’t have to come from the podium. This A-grade concept was a just-add-water solution to making my players think more analytically. This self-saucing pudding became the new psychology of the ensemble. And the proof is in the pudding: we came second by just a few points, and the adjudicator referred to both bands as ‘world class’. Not bad for a community concert band that had been grasping at 2nd or 3rd place in B grade for the past few years.  By the way, check out my thoughts on creating a 5 year plan, in the lead-up to making a leap like this. In short, – and you know this already – success breeds success.

There is another concept to consider in the psychology of success, and I’ll leave you to dwell on it and report back your findings. How long do you rehearse a piece before performance? What I’m about to say is probably most relevant to adult or self-analytical ensembles (i.e. not 8-year-olds), but I reckon your rehearsal time  – like a goldfish who will grow to the size of his bowl – will fill as many rehearsals as you’ve got, with the same results. Of course you know you can over-work pieces to death, but imagine if you told your ensemble that they have 5 rehearsals to prepare an eisteddfod piece – thereby removing the option for them to be still learning their parts in 3 months – would they step up to the challenge? Send me an email or leave a comment here and let me know your experiences with this!

Whatever you do, enjoy your music.

Cheers,

GG

PS! There are still TWO spaces left for the Summer School January 22nd-25th. I will be working with YOU one-on-one to show you how you can get the most out of YOUR ensemble, with plenty of ideas to keep your program growing throughout 2014. You will also learn conducting at any level, from basic “where do I put the beat” through to fancy hand-dancing. Includes meals, accommodation and an open bar and you will REVOLUTIONISE YOUR ENSEMBLE! http://greysen.com.au/summer/

and assisting professionals to continue to develop
through progressive masterclasses and workshops.

It was born out of a love for music and a passion for education by Canberrans Major Geoff Grey CSM, Grad Dip App Mus, Dip Mus Mgt and Sarah Nielsen, B. Mus (1st Class Hons).

Greysen is a relaxing bushland retreat providing unique gourmet residential experiences. Located just 40 minutes from Canberra, the secluded Currawang estate is a haven for artistic endeavours including poetry, painting, photography, drawing, writing and, of course, music. Muse with the laughing kookaburras, experience the gorgeous wildflowers, follow the kangaroo mobs grazing or join in with the symphony of “frogs and friends” by the creek!

The cottage, studio and unspoilt acreage are also ideal for corporate seminars and leadership courses or any activity requiring serenity and isolation. Accommodation is on-site in our new eco-pods (subject to availability) or just five minutes away in the rustic charm of Collector village’s historic 1860’s Bushranger Hotel. Within ten minutes you’ll find award-winning produce at Lerida Estate and Lake George wineries and Grandma’s Little Bakery/Fedra Olive Grove.

Musical offerings are ongoing and seasonally varied. They include recitals around the grand piano, acoustic soirees on the cottage deck and jams in the studio. The two principal residential offerings, the Music Appreciation and Conducting courses, are booked well in advance, with guests gaining fascinating insights to music and the music industry from leading Australian conductor, producer and adjudicator – Major Geoff Grey CSM.

The Music Appreciation suite of retreats is an inspirational discovery of the backstage secrets behind creating musical performances. Guests will learn about the path of the musicians they enjoy, how music is constructed and produced, and what makes certain repertoire “extra-special”. Topics also include musical history, the background behind performance protocols and learning to recognise elements they’ll hear both in recordings and at their next concert experience … and so much more. Each course features indulgent meals, with food and wine matched to music, and the concert tailored menus are a delight to behold!

Go on … Escape to the country with like-minded friends you may not have met yet, gain valuable knowledge and enjoy some of the finest fare the Capital Region has to offer. The knowledge imparted is first hand from decades of performance experiences and there are more than a couple of fascinating morsels of insider information! Ultimately though it’s about food, wine and the arts – the perfect match as they are all about passion. Come and join them!