In this replay episode of the Integrated Music Teaching Podcast, world-renowned conductor Benjamin Zander of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra joins Tim to discuss the direction of classical music and the influence of this in the music teaching industry. He shares about speaking at Ted Talks, with anecdotes of Boston Philharmonic Symphony musicians and students of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He also shared some insights about our responsibility and our job as music teachers and how music teachers are part of the healing profession.

• The responsibility of music teachers.
• Being part of the “healing profession.”
• Our job as teachers.
• The impact of Beethoven and emotion in classical music.
• The significance of the upcoming Boston Philharmonic Symphony repertoire.
• What to say when you make a mistake.
• The responsibility of the conductor.
• Breaking down the formality of classical music.
• The depth of classical music when we turn off autopilot.
• Benjamin shared about Boston Philharmonic during COVID.
• Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra students.
• His thoughts on transitioning from performing to conducting.
• Helping students remove extra impulses.
• Who we are being in the world.
• How the “A method” might work in instrumental studio lessons.
• Last piece of wisdom from Benjamin Zander.

Links Mentioned

• Benjamin Zander Website
• Benjamin Zander Ted Talk
• The Art of Possibility Book
• Related: Fun Classical Piano Arrangements

Today’s Guest

Benjamin Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra in 1978 and has appeared as guest conductor with orchestras around the world. In 2012, Zander founded the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He also served as a longstanding faculty member at New England Conservatory. Conductor Zander is known internationally as a master teacher and speaker on leadership, featured at the Davos World Economic Forum, to the Ted Talk stage, and in documentaries on PBS. He uses music to help people open their minds and create joyful harmonies that bring out the best in themselves and their colleagues.

Thank you for tuning in!

Consider implementing the ideas from this podcast by writing several actionable steps for your teaching practice if it’s inspired you.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, which helps other teachers find our show.

Stay updated by subscribing to this show, and get automatic delivery to your device every time a new episode goes live! We publish on Fridays weekly.