Learn from peers
Throughout my journey as a music educator and conductor, I’ve realized that one of the most powerful tools for growth isn’t just professors or formal lessons—it’s learning from your peers. When I was pursuing my master's degree at the New England Conservatory, some of my greatest lessons didn't come from faculty but from my fellow students. Being around talented classmates, especially those with exceptional musical gifts, encouraged me to emulate their techniques and approaches, which had an immediate positive impact on my conducting. The beauty of peer learning lies in the equal footing you share with your classmates. Unlike professors, who might represent an established ideal to aspire to, your peers often operate at a similar level with individual strengths you can learn from. This proximity allows for more relatable exchanges of ideas and fosters honest feedback that can sometimes be harder to receive from traditional instructors. One aspect I find invaluable is attending every master class offered by colleagues and actively listening to their artistry. This not only helps me grasp the technical side of shaping music but also teaches me how they deliver constructive feedback—understanding what truly matters and what doesn’t when critiquing performances. Observing these interactions broadens my perspective on effective music education and helps me refine my own teaching approach. Moreover, peer learning helped me compensate for areas where my own training was weaker. For example, while my focus was largely on pedagogy and jazz improvisation, I didn’t have as much classical performance experience. Watching and imitating peers skilled in classical music helped me patch those gaps. It’s like borrowing brilliance—absorbing their expertise and making it part of your own musicianship. If you have great classmates or colleagues, seize the opportunity to learn from them. Engage actively, steal their knowledge, and integrate it into your own practice. The process of learning from peers fosters a dynamic, supportive community, enabling musicians to elevate each other and grow together. This approach has profoundly shaped my development as a conductor and educator, and it can do the same for you.
