Interview with the professors Violeta and Marina, owners of “Pianoforte”
“Pianoforte” is a music school that has existed for nineteen years now. During the first decade it was solely a piano school but, later the classes extended to almost every other instrument as well. Their children’s violin orchestra is a rarity in the country, and from last year there is even a pop department that teaches pop singing among other things. “Pianoforte” employs eminent professors, graduated musicians, MA and PhD. Professionals. For the first time ever, this year the classes will continue during the summer months. We spoke to the owners of the school Violeta Stefanovska- Shukovikj- academic director of the school and piano professor, and Marina Chado- executive director and violin professor.
- The end of the school year is both a relief and a challenge for the students. The long vacation may be harmful for the children if they lack a certain goal for that time, and if they do not feel productive. This was your reason behind organising a Summer school. What are your expectations?
Marina: There are several reasons behind this decision. We all know that the summer break is quite long and children lose their continuity with their studies. During the school year, many parents ask us what could we do and offer, so that the children could at least spend a part of the summer break productively- so that they can receive something beneficial to their growth. We have come to a conclusion that children lately are very dependent on technology. Both children in elementary and in high school spend their time with a tablet, their phone or in front of the television, if not occupied otherwise. I do not think that we are fully aware of how much the children today have changed, how different they are now than they were 25-30 years ago, when Viki and I first started working in pedagogy. We are not aware how much children have changed in relations to their obligations, their discipline, their focus and motivation. That is what is the scariest in fact- the children lack motivation. Everything is at their fingertips, they easily give what is asked of them and thus they are no longer accustomed to cooperate and do things with personal involvement- they do not know how to motivate themselves. Music encourages that in children. That is why we believe that summer schools are a good chance for children to be submerged in some sort of activity that would not burden them too much while giving them continuity at the same time.
- When does the summer school begin and how are the classes envisioned? Are there going to be standard classes, or will there be something different?
Violeta: The classes will begin on June 17th and last until July 11th. A four week period where the children will be given the chance to try out an instrument. Not every child has had that chance before. They are familiar with the piano, but they have not laid a finger on any other instrument. They will get the chance to get an education in all of the instruments we offer here at the school. There will also be group activities. The children will be able to join in in the group singing classes, to combine different instruments in bigger ensemble- very creative activities. We will help them make a tone, music, to have a finished product. This summer school is definitely envisioned to be fun for the children.
Marina: It is wrong to put music education under the umbrella of every general education. Music is above all fun. When children come to our school, they do not have the feeling that they are really in school and that this is some sort of chore. The act of mastering an instrument is very much both mental and physical work. All in the meanwhile, the child is engaged and not burdened with cognitive and unclear concepts in life, because in our education we have a product to show from day one.
- Has the perception about music education in our country changed in the meantime? With the exception of specialised music schools, the subject has not been much respected.
Marina: Music education is at an all-time low. We can attest to that because we held many workshops in elementary schools in Skopje. From approximately six hundred students, there were about the who had had contact with an instrument. My point is that artistic education, which includes music, does not have a goal to make actors, painters or musicians from each child. Artistic, and musical education especially, simply widens their creative thinking. That is just added value to a child’s life. Unfortunately, this is very neglected in our society.
Violeta: We have higher goals than to just teach children to play an instrument. We aim for our society to understand how important that is for a person, for society itself. As an example, studies have shown that playing an instrument leads to higher thought capacity.
- Your school has existed for almost two decades now. What accomplishments are you especially proud of? We usually hear about your talented musicians once they breach the country’s borders and achieve significant success on the international stage.
Violeta: We regularly take part in international competitions. Last year, in October, we were guests in Slovenia. There we held three concerts- two in Ljubljana and one in Slovenj Gradec. Two years ago we won a second place in Belgium, at an international competition in Nieuwpoort, where we competed among 74 orchestras from around the world. There were contestants from China, Australia, and of course, among them there was us- a small orchestra, made out of small children, coming from a small country. We proudly represented our country, the children defiled with the Macedonian flag, they had new experiences, and we are very proud that our school made that possible. Our students compete at international competitions and come back as winners, with top scores. This is a success for the whole school.
Marina: We insist on working professionally and for our school to meet the national criteria. We do not play by ear, but work according to written standards. However, our methodologies are different and that greatly pleases the students who come to play here. Most of them completely and successfully finish their music education and are capable to make music on their own.
Violeta: We have innovative methods. We often pair up students to play together. We combine a student on the drums, the violin, the guitar, the piano, and they perform together. That does not exist in the classical education here. We support various social actions. We have special needs children, we go to concerts, and we make performances for them. You can find us in every activity connected to children’s education and the widening of their knowledge.