#91. The Master-Apprentice Model: A Powerful Hierarchy with Travis Sherwood

This week on a Voice and Beyond, we welcome, Travis Sherwood, who holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. Travis currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Vocal Area Coordinator on the faculty of San Diego State University, School of Music and Dance. Travis frequently lectures and presents on the subjects of artistic literacy, student-centred pedagogy, voice pedagogy, and vocal literature.

In this episode, Travis discusses his research into the traditions, evolution and limitations of the master-apprentice Model. Travis tells us that this learning environment establishes a clear hierarchy of power in the teacher-student relationship. He explains that the master-apprentice tradition is rooted in the experiences of the master, requiring students to value the teacher’s observations of their voice over their own. From an inferior position, students become dependent on their teachers, often ignoring their bodies in pursuit of the “correct” way to sing. Additionally, in this teacher-centred pedagogy, students frequently silence their artistic and technical instincts.

Travis warns us that by perpetuating this tradition, we are not creating safe spaces where students can be expressive, artistic and explore their voices autonomously. He states that there are still certain elements of this tradition permeating in our profession and as voice teachers we must check in on ourselves to ensure we are not perpetuating this teaching model. He suggests we can begin by questioning whether out teaching is grounded in a student-centred philosophy and that our teaching values and builds off the knowledge and experiences of our students. As a mentor and co-learner, we must listen to students with an empathetic ear, responding to their needs and encouraging their sense of individual agency. Travis believes that as we move into the future, the master-apprentice model can limit the possibility of evolution in the voice teaching field.

This is a most fascinating and informative interview with Travis Sherwood and one that will inspire many to reflect on their teaching practices.

https://travissherwoodbaritone.com/

In this episode:

06:11 — The Background of a Master

07:43 — Experience From a Student-Centered Teacher

11:08 — Master-Apprentice: The Status Quo

20:08 — The Effects of the Traditional Model

21:19 — Breaking Free From Dependency

23:33 — The Limited Perspective of the Overseer

29:22 — Teachers Being Life-Long Students

32:11 — Reverberating the Student’s Language

35:36 — The Things That Permeated From the Histories

37:54 — The Evolution of Teaching the Voice

40:38 — Balancing Act of Voice Science

44:17 — Harms of High Art and Lower Art Mentality

50:42 — Is It an Open or a Closed Repertoire?

01:01:05 — Be Student-Centered: Grounding the Pedagogy

01:03:54 — Travis’ Best Advice

For more go to https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/91

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