New to the Board of Directors: Gaudenz Lügstenmann
Music and learning - two topics that have always occupied Gaudenz Lügstenmann in his professional career. He was an elementary school teacher for many years, then taught at the teacher training college for ten years and now runs the music school in his home town of Rapperswil-Jona. From July 1, he will be a member of the board of the Swiss Association of Music Schools, where he will work to promote music education.
Gaudenz, what motivated you to apply for a position on the VMS Board?
I was very interested in having a say and helping to shape things at a national level. I'm really looking forward to it! I'm excited to see how I can contribute my many years of experience from primary school and music school. The fact that I can use my knowledge of French also appealed to me.
More and more music schools are working together with elementary school. You know both institutions very well - what do you think is the benefit of such collaborations?
In short: music schools have the specific expertise, and schools have a certain know-how in organizing learning. Cooperation can further develop music education. This in turn is important because music offers the opportunity to address urgent socio-political issues. Music is an important element in the individual and social development of people and can have a unifying effect.
How did you make the leap from the teacher training college to the music school?
After ten years as a teacher and ten years at the PH, I was looking for something new. By chance, I found a position as a substitute at the Zurich University of the Arts in the training program for school musicians. It was there that I realized how much I enjoyed this professional combination of learning and music. It really fascinated me. And just as coincidentally, shortly afterwards the head of the music school in my place of residence was advertised.
How big was the difference in your day-to-day work?
The change from the classroom to the PH was more drastic than the change to the music school. Both at the PH and now I work with adults. However, there is one point that concerns me a lot, namely the big question: can I manage a music school? This had a strong impact on me when I took up the job. Over the last ten years, I've realized that many musicians feel the same way. Can I do the piece? Do I know the instrument well enough? Can I do it?
Impostor syndrome does indeed seem to be widespread - people doubting their abilities despite obvious qualifications.
Exactly - what do you dare to do? That's something I think about from time to time. After ten years at the music school, I know that I made the right decision, but there was a lot of uncertainty at the beginning. I feel the same way about being on the board - there is also a certain amount of uncertainty involved. Will I be able to get involved? Will my input help the cause? But if you don't try, you'll never know. I am therefore very grateful for this opportunity.
Do you actually play one or more instruments yourself?
I play the trumpet and take part in the music camp every year. I've also been playing the cello for three years - I was interested because I'd never tried a string instrument before. I also play the piano a bit. I know roughly where the keys are, but not much more.
Do you practise a lot?
(No (laughs). Unfortunately not. I try to pick up an instrument once a day. But I don't always manage that.
And finally this: Do you have a favorite music?
At the moment I would say Jon Batiste. I've just heard him in Bern. He's extremely versatile on the road, he plays jazz and classical music and everything in between. And he has a great connection with the audience. He told me that he used to play a lot of music with his family at home and then led the audience in such a way that the atmosphere in the concert hall was just like at home in the living room. That was really touching.
