In this interview, Mária Strenáčiková, with nearly 25 years of experience, reflects on a lifelong passion for music education, teaching students of all ages and levels. She speaks about the diversity of musical traditions, the emotional and transformative power of music, and her deep commitment to guiding students through both their musical and personal growth.
Can you introduce yourself and describe one defining characteristic of music education in your country today?
I am a teacher who has been working with musicians and music students for almost 25 years. During my career, I have had the opportunity to teach at all levels: elementary music school, high school, and university. I have worked with total beginners, intermediate students, and professionals. Music education has interested me since early childhood. I remember pretending to teach my dolls even in kindergarten. 🙂
After 25 years in the education system, I can say that music education in our country is very diverse, and I would consider this diversity its defining characteristic across all levels of schooling.
Which artist, composer, or musical tradition has most shaped your musical thinking, and why?
It is hard to choose one composer/artist or musical tradition — I believe all of them are very important, each in a different way. Some of them teach us the clarity and logic in the language of music, others open the virtue of emotional charge in music, some cultivate the respect for traditional values, while others give us the courage to challenge the convention and bring new discoveries into music.
"I love being part of the musical and personal journey of every child, young adult, or professional musician."
If you could bring five musical works to a desert island, what would they be, and what does this choice reveal about you as a music educator?
Again, I cannot choose particular pieces. However, I would like to have diverse musical works available: one that would cheer me up when I feel sad, one that would help me overcome anxieties and fears, one that would calm me down when I get overexcited, one that would motivate my internal strength, and one that would remind me of my home and my roots.
And what does this reveal about me as a music educator? I believe it shows that I would like to teach every student and that music has an enormous potential to influence humans. It holds incredible power; we just have to learn how to experience it, how to share it, and how to embed it in the music we perform.
What aspect of teaching music continues to motivate you most, even after challenging days?
I love to teach. I love to see people grow and make progress. I love to see their discoveries. I love to witness their achievements, their victories, and success. I love to be there for them during moments of disappointments and necessary struggle. I love being part of the musical and personal journey of every child, young adult, or professional musician.