Don’t stay neutral – own your bias.
Here are three biases I have:
- I think that choral/vocal music is the most profound, moving kind of music.
- I think that music ensemble class might be the single most beneficial class you take in high school.
- I think that a solid theoretical understanding is the best way to approach interpretation. When you know what’s going on under the hood, the interpretation seems obvious.
Time was, I wanted to respect others’ differing opinions on these subjects and not worry about the differences. But as I approach fifty, I think it’s better to own my biases and make them public.
I respect your views and want to engage in dialogue, but I think that owning my bias allows me to teach from my core, to lead from a place of strength, and to connect with others whose values align with mine.
Own your biases, respectfully. The more I own mine the more effective I am.
(And if we meet in person, ask me about my biases about Barbershop and musical theatre…)