Volume 3 (2) 2011, A Tribute to Christopher Small – Article
Orchestral Conducting as Educational Practice: A Smallian Perspective of Relationships and Pedagogy in Youth Orchestras
Daniele Parziani
Abstract
In this article the author attempts a first description of his ongoing research on the pedagogy and educational philosophy which can be applied in working with the youth orchestra, based on Christopher Small’s theory of musicking; the youth orchestra is seen here as a learning community, and the author attempts to redefine the relationships which are embodied and shaped within it, wishing to stir up the stagnant social relationships of the classical orchestra community. The article is particularly concerned with the power relationship between the teacher-conductor and the students, while raising questions of musical identity, hierarchy and empathy from a Smallian perspective applied to the conducting of the youth orchestra, within a concept of educational conducting.
Keywords: Christopher Small, music education, youth orchestra, conducting, musical identity, musical relationships, hierarchy, empathy, self-awareness
Biography
Daniele Parziani studied at the Conservatory of Milan, and furthered his studies with a Masters programme, specialising both in conducting and philosophy of music education at Newcastle University, graduating with distinction at both institutions. His passion for conducting youth orchestras led him to undertake a PhD at the Royal Northern College of Music, where he is now researching the application of Christopher Small’s philosophy to the conducting of the youth orchestra. Daniele is the Music Director of the Youth Orchestra Academy “I Piccoli Pomeriggi Musicali” (Milan), and he is also the Music Director at the ”Tito Livio” Classical High School (Milan).
Email: fboulez@yahoo.it