Reading Burke's post earlier made me realize something that was sort of disheartening: much of what little education/funding there is for the arts is based on competition and winning. More and more, personal enjoyment and creativity seem to playing less of a role in the activities that students participate it. Marching band, which used to just act as a nice interlude at football games, is now a highly competitive activity that schools (at least in my state) take very seriously. Bands spend hours on the field trying to get every movement right in the hopes that they will steal the biggest trophy from a rival high school. And while I know that most everyone that participates in these activities loves the experience, I can't help feeling that it would be just as fulfilling without the competitive aspect.
This doesn't just apply to music, either. AP art classes are offered, and students stress about and work hard to receive a 4 or a 5. In my mind, that is not what art is about. Art should be about creating something that you love, not something that you think an AP scorer would appreciate. Instead of enjoying the creative process, many of my friends working on their portfolios were extremely stressed about meeting the standards and guidelines provided, stifling some of their creativity in the process.
I do understand that competition holds us accountable. Doing well in competitions requires practice, and practice (obviously) is what makes us improve But why do we need a trophy or a "5" dangled over our heads to get us to practice? Shouldn't the desire to do well and consistently improve be enough? I know that for younger children, that is usually not the case. They typically need encouragement- the promise of a reward. But for young adults who are choosing to be involved in the arts it seems to me that being involved in something creative, enjoying what you are doing, and working to improve for yourself should be enough.
(This isn't related to drum circles. Is that okay?)
M.
Marian, I absolutely love your insight into funding motives. And given the absolute erratic nature of our governments decision making, speculation can be both accurate and comical simultaneously. I agree that music making should not be purely competitive but should have something more to do with the emotional side of music. However, competition is part of human nature - it's who we are and it is what we will always do, regardless of what aspect of life.
ReplyDeleteMarian, this is great. I've thought about this before too. Why do we need competition? Is it still art if your motivation comes from recognition instead of satisfaction?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I have any insight in this, but I think that it's an issue that maybe we should discuss in FYS or in Foundations. I would love to hear more of your opinions on this topic.
I love how you talked about the difference between what art should really be and what educators portray it as. Art shouldn't be about stressing for everything. It should be fun and free and expressive. I agree with your last statement about "enjoying what you are doing, and working to improve for yourself should be enough".
ReplyDeleteI adored how you stressed that competition and that shiny trophy isn't what its all about. Throughout high school, I refused to take part in any type of piano competition and instead practiced and prepared myself to take part in music festivals and concerts. I immeresed myself in taking part in groups such as jazz band or taking part in the pit orchestra so I still had goals and events to work towards. I am a firm believer that, yes, it is important to check out who you are up against in the musical field (or really whatever field you are into, in general), but you mustn't let your passion for what you do turn into something of you wanting to "beat everyone." I find that most people who have this attitude usually are lacking in the ability to work together and cooperate because they have such a "this is for me" mindset.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Success should be driven by emotions not competition. The best musician are great not because they are super competitive but because they love what they do. A big problem is that in order to do what you love you have to be competitive. This is most evident in schooling. If you want to achieve a position where you can enjoy what you love you have to stand out. Its unfortunate but sometimes competition has to be there.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the trophy though. Those who do what they do because they enjoy it do not need a trophy. they normally don't even want recognition. As Mo said though its part of human nature to be competitive.