[img]541|left|||no_popup[/img]I grew up winning first chair in nearly all my orchestra auditions and placing in competitions. When I decided to go into music, I was readily accepted into music school. Until, that is, I failed my theory entrance exam.
How embarrassing that I could win a full scholarship for music and then almost not get to be a music major because of a few chords!
I spent the summer learning music theory, and when I retook the exam in the fall, I passed and was able to begin studies with the other new music students. I learned my lesson, studied hard in college, and now have a better than normal grasp of the subject for a classical instrumentalist.
My Responsibility
Now that I am teaching music, I feel a responsibility to instruct my students in more than how to play the cello. I want them to be able to not only pass theory tests but to be able to look at a piece of music they want to play, whether it be a piano piece, a guitar chord chart, or a classical concerto, and understand how to translate this to their instrument. And, when they play their own music, I want them to know why they are drawn to using certain notes over others. My dilemma to this point has been that there is so much I want to teach them about the cello itself, I don’t have time in lessons to also instruct in theory.
Happily, about a year and a half ago, I was shown an opportunity to address this by a student’s mother, Dr. Cassandra Beauvoir. Having spent the last number of years developing online music education tools, she asked me if I would like to participate in finishing her music theory website and bringing it out into the world.
I agreed, and last month, the Presto Petite music theory website went live.
I look forward to training future generations not only in how to play their instruments but also to understand the theory principles that make the music they love so special.
Visit www.prestopetite.com to learn more.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
