The Teaching Artist Training Program at the Music Center

Dancer and Master Teaching Artist Madeleine Dahm reflects at the Music Center board meeting.

The impact of the Teaching Artist and the key role they play in our cultural landscape has seen extensive growth over the last ten years. Artists can have an enormous impact in the lives of young people if they are open to the extraordinary advancements in the Teaching Artist profession, and are committed to building meaningful partnerships with the cultural centers, schools, conservatories and universities at the forefront of research and training.

Artists need to acknowledge that being an expert or master in their art form does not necessarily translate into being an expert at facilitating the creativity of another. I remember a key moment in my professional artistic life, as a highly accomplished dancer making the transition to choreographer I could not afford to assume that my talents in performance would make me an overnight success in the choreographic field, the road to that distinction would require more study and development on my behalf. Yet far too often artists make the assumption that if they are great at what they do, why of course they will also be great at teaching it. The ability to create meaningful and inspiring workshops for young people is not simply rooted in professional accomplishment, or having a great passion for your art. Those qualities are essential, but if the artist truly wants a more lasting impact in the lives of young people, they must understand the complexities of student learning, physical and emotional development, cultural influences and needs. They must be able to disseminate and analyze their art form down to its barest elements, authentically teaching the skills and principles on which it is founded, but knowing when and how to step back so as to truly facilitate the artistic and creative journey of another.

The world renowned Music Center is on the cutting edge of Teaching Artist training, and draws on the expertise of Master Artists and Arts Educators from around the world. The training is one of the most intensive and deeply regarded in the United States, and is grounded in the highest artistic models. Diverse content includes: the Visual and Performing Arts Standards, Best Practice Principles, Student Centered Learning, the Four Wheel Learning Process, Multiple Intelligence Theories, Blooms Taxonomy and the historical and cultural complexities in the performing arts.

It has been my honor to be part of the development of this extraordinary course founded by Susan Cambigue- Tracey and Melinda Williams, and to serve as Lead Dance and Theatre Artist for many years now. I have had the privilege to mentor and coach both emerging and veteran performers, directors, writers and visual artists. To witness first hand the transformation of the artist, their work and their teaching, and thereby the creative possibilities for the children whose lives they so deeply touch.

Madeleine Dahm - Master Teaching Artist/Dancer/Choreographer.

Back to Artist Training