On Saturday, January 26, Melody Bober will present two workshops in Lincoln at Grace Lutheran Church (2225 Washington Street). The first workshop, “Five Ways to Energize Your Studio,” goes from 9:30-10:30, and the second, “Revitalize Your Recitals,” is scheduled from 10:45-11:45. Bober will also give a master class from 1:00-2:15 and present a recital of her new music. Bober’s presence in Lincoln is in thanks to the Lincoln Music Teachers’ Association (LMTA), and non-LMTA teachers and interested parties are invited to attend free of charge.
Bober’s interview with Examiner.com will be sure to draw interest and more attendees for her workshop because she wants music teachers to remember one thing: “Love what you do. Allow it to shine through in all your interaction with the students: in your voice, in your mannerisms, conduct lessons with energy and enthusiasm for the music and for the student; make it a priority to further your own education, keep performing in your church or community. Let them see firsthand the impact music has made on your life and give them the tools to experience the fulfillment music has for all our lives.”
Bober practices what she preaches, her love for music shines through and influences all that she does for her students and colleagues—and through her compositions. Bober’s goal in composing is to make sure that piano students will “enjoy the experience of music making!” She isn’t thinking of just teaching the prodigies or even just future professional musicians and music educators, “the majority of students want to learn to play for a lifetime of enjoyment: in their family, in their church, in a community jazz band perhaps.” Knowing the many different ways that music can be enjoyed, Bober writes almost all of her pieces with specific students in mind: “a technical challenge they need, or perhaps a certain style that would spark their interest or help them learn more about rhythms, keys, tempo. I want it to be a learning experience but still enjoy the process and performance.”
Bober always had a love for music:
“I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else. From the time I began lessons at age 5 and throughout my growing up years, college – music was always the focal point of my life. Several teachers – both in piano and in school – were inspirational to me, so it was never a question that I would follow that career choice.
I taught public school music for 20 years – mostly at the middle school level; then 2 years at Minnesota State University. But I have been teaching piano the longest – 37 years! For the past 15 years, I have been teaching piano exclusively and loving every minute. I have over 50 students here in Detroit Lakes and I count it a blessing to be able to teach these wonderful kids.
It was only 18 years ago that I began writing music. I had been arranging music for years – mostly hymns and worship tunes for church. But I wanted to write a piece of music for a graduating senior at the time, and through the encouragement of a few colleagues and faithful husband, I decided to send that piece off to a variety of publishing companies. When I received an acceptance contract in the mail, I had no idea it would blossom into over 500 educational piano pieces in print. Through my students and my writing, I feel totally immersed in what I am supposed to be doing, and that is the biggest blessing of all.”
In closing, Bober expressed her excitement in being able to share her love of music on the 26th in Lincoln, thanks to LMTA. Hopefully many music educators will attend her free workshops and be reinvigorated with love for music!
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