Richard and Eric essentially live out the Dunning-Kruger effect by talking about the Dunning-Kruger effect. They introduce the concept and land on an important question: To what degree do we recognize incompetence — not just in others, but in ourselves? Does it matter? This troubling phenomenon is seemingly (and unfortunately) a ubiquitous feature of the human psyche.
All in Pedagogy
Richard and Eric dive into the deep end of the pool in seeing how T.S. Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" may intersect with music. This surprisingly short essay (which is hailed as perhaps the best essay of the 20th Century) shows off Eliot's rare genius of getting to the bottom of things as eloquently and powerfully as possible. Beyond poetry, there is indeed quite a bit that is relevant to a number of other artist endeavors, including various aspects of music and music-making. This is an incredibly thought-provoking essay to think through for the discerning conductor, composer, or performer, especially amid our current conception of 'voice,' and our increasing obsession with relevance, self, and self-expression.
Eric is joined by friend of the cast Dr. Jeremiah Cawley to discuss what in the world musicians (students, teachers, and professionals) can do to continue growing during the silence of isolation. Many musicians are thrust into awkward living situations where traditional practice regimens are not feasible or even possible. What types of things can we do or practice instead to make a "musical deposit" towards the future when collaboration may begin again in earnest. Are there are things that could be done, whether in isolation or normal times?
With Richard gone, Eric goes solo to give some inspiration for those who are staying home from the choral conventions taking place nationwide in the United States this week. He spends time with an excerpt from Howard Swan's "Conscience of a Profession," and looks at what we can do to stay present and inspiring for those we interact with on the home front.
Richard and Eric hobnob about the concept of 'theme' in music programming. Do themes play too prevalent of a role in the programming craft of a choral conductor? What's the purpose of a theme anyway, and what might it look like to have program without any theme? Perhaps a theme is inevitable, but its worth thinking about to keep things in context.
Richard and Eric respond to a small excerpt about Nora Ephron found in Greg McKeown's wonderful book: "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less." Finding out "the point" of something is worth considering, and the two try to figure it out as it relates to the choral art and conducting. Perhaps an impossible task... They go so far as to ask what is the point of discovering the point?
Richard and Eric broach the subject and philosophy of being within the ensemble. How 'real' are we really willing to get with the people around us? When we enter a space, do we think it is important to 'leave everything at the door?' How do we navigate being tired or depressed? How do we encourage others who are dealing with that same tiredness? The guys land on some encouraging conclusions.
Richard and Eric take an unusual approach in discerning what it means to have successful choirs in performance and practice. Looking through the lens of Abraham Maslow's mid-20th Century psychological paradigm of an 'Hierarchy of Needs,' fully expressed in his 1954 book "Motivation and Personality," they look at key factors that potentially make individuals successful and fulfilled. Can these same functional needs work out similarly within the context of a music ensemble, no matter the performance level? While seemingly simple at first, the power of using this tool becomes quickly and incredibly evident.
Richard and Eric ramble on in attempting to tip over a perceived 'sacred cow' of the current choral scene: the 'warm-up'. What is a choral 'warm-up,' and what are the various ways it could be seen to be a positive or negative tool and experience? Are we being thoughtful in our time 'warming up' an ensemble, or is this a time of ritual and routine?
It is Season 2, folks! Richard and Eric dig deep and cover the highly controversial and substantive topic of the yearly Choir Retreat, which is fraught with dangers, terror, and drama. Oh the drama! Besides telling a few stories, the guys talk a bit about the potential importance of a retreat at the beginning of the choral calendar.