“In limits, there is freedom. Creativity thrives within structure.” ~ Julia Cameron
This quote by Julia Cameron reminds all of us that structure doesn’t dictate, but rather adds value, no matter what we’re doing.
Several years ago, I attended a symphony concert that featured violinist Joshua Bell. Since that experience, I’ve reflected many times about how he simply made the music come alive! Everyone in the audience was mesmerized by the way the music seemed to pour out from every cell in his body as he performed. It was the spontaneity of his playing that was so captivating. He played with incredible freedom, yet he still maintained the integrity of the musical line set forth by the composer. He knew the structure, and he owned the structure of the work in a way that allowed him to celebrate his own creative spirit and share it with the world. True creativity can occur when you’re able to find that kind of freedom within a structure.
It’s important now, more than ever, that we help students learn this kind of freedom and how to connect that knowledge to everything they do. In today’s challenging and rapidly changing world, everyone can benefit from the knowledge of how to express their creative spirit in a way that makes a positive impact on those in their life and work environments. And it’s more and more evident that freedom within structure is a critical step for long-term success in businesses and organizations.
When students truly understand that structure can help them celebrate their own creative spirit, it will help them succeed and find joy in their lives. It’s true in music, but it’s also true in work situations, in relationships, and in simply living life.
Everyone wants freedom—freedom to create their lives, to do their work, and to build their relationships. Music students can gain a keen sense of what it takes to express themselves without restrictions through their art form. They learn to perform the music within a context—and, yes, that context is structure, but despite what seems counter-intuitive, that structure can give them a sense of creative freedom that will positively influence them for the rest of their lives.
“Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” ~ Julie Andrews
Structure is the discipline and order that provides stability, direction, and power. Students can gain creative freedom by learning to expertly manipulate three basic dynamic forces within the parameters of music performance, or any art form for that matter. When provided the opportunity, they can learn:
- What they need to do to put their art into practice.
- How to take the steps to create meaningful art and achieve success.
- To be consistent in applying their knowledge.
Only by learning to use the elements and structures of music can students communicate expressively. In fact, music rehearsals can teach them how to know the formal structures so well that they can use them without being stuck in a box of strict rules. They can learn that structure doesn’t dictate, but rather adds value, no matter what they’re doing. With deeper learning strategies in rehearsals, this is knowledge that will help them beyond music-making to successfully contribute as a healthy member of society.
Are you a band or orchestra director? Are you unsure about how you can use this concept in your rehearsals? Take a look at my online course—Transform Your Band and Orchestra Rehearsals: From Ordinary to Extraordinary — a course that’s intended to motivate you to open yourself to new possibilities, and to consider a deeper learning approach that helps students make connections beyond music to other situations in their lives.
Do you wonder how you can use this concept in your personal life and work? Take a look at my online course—Soft Skills to Kickstart Your Career: Little Known Benefits of Arts-Based Training to Catch the Eye of Employers—a course that’s designed to help you maneuver more confidently in today’s competitive environment and have more control over your future.
Patricia Hoy