Every month, we like to spotlight one of our incredible Elemental Music teachers. Some of them have been teaching with us for close to a decade while others might be in their first year of working for our organization, but there is one thing that all of our teachers have in common: their dedication to the young musicians in our programs.
This month, we are featuring Lynn Hutchinson who directs our Core Music program for Elemental @ Westminster. Lynn has held many roles in our organization. As the parent of an Elemental Music student, a former board member, and now a teacher in our programs, she understands Elemental Music from every angle! We are excited for you to get to know Lynn - pianist, composer, arranger, and music teacher extraordinaire!
Elemental Music: How long have you been teaching for Elemental Music? Can you tell us a little bit about your history with the organization?
Lynn Hutchinson: I have been teaching with Elemental Music for three years at their amazing in-school Core Music Program at Westminster Elementary School.
My daughter is a violinist and began playing in the Elemental Strings program when she was in elementary school. I was so excited by Elemental’s approach to music education, I sought to be more involved with the organization. I joined a committee that created an updated strategic plan for Elemental, part of which included the possibility of doing a program like the one at Westminster. It’s so exciting to be a part of that vision becoming reality and seeing firsthand Elemental Music’s impact in this new capacity.
EM: How did you get started in music?
LH: Growing up, many of my relatives were self-taught musicians. And music lovers. Holidays were spent singing and playing instruments together, regardless of age or level. My mom taught me how to read music and how to connect the dots on the page to keys on a piano. I continued to learn on my own until I went to college.
EM: What is one of your favorite musical memories?
LH: A favorite music memory? Where to begin?! I cannot count how many favorite music memories I have. It could be the thrill of playing in a chamber group or band. The delight of playing ukulele and singing with a group of first graders. Writing an orchestral arrangement that musicians are happy to play. Or giving the gift of music to someone in need of comfort. I don’t think I can name a favorite.
But I’ll share one of many that stand out: in addition to being a pianist and teacher, I am an arranger. I was so fortunate to have a choir teacher in high school who fostered my interests, giving me multiple opportunities to write for and conduct our 50-voice ensemble. My senior year, our choir was asked to perform at the annual all-state music educators convention. My teacher handed me the baton for the final song in our set list: my a cappella arrangement of the National Anthem. Although I was the one up front, I knew my peers were excited to show that one of us could create and lead. Everyone sang beautifully. With pride for our sound. For how much we loved to sing together. For premiering a new version of something written by one of us kids. The way I wrote it, instead of a big bombastic ending, the song fades off peacefully.
As the last chord hung in the air, my hands still raised, the room of hundreds of educators fell silent. I slowly dropped my hands. All was still. When I turned around, the audience was standing. Quietly. It was so moving. I heard sniffles from the choir behind me. Something special had happened for me and my friends that day. We got to create a moment of magic. Together. And I’ll never forget that.
EM: What inspired you to teach in addition to performing?
LH: In my lifetime, I’ve been so lucky to have had many people and teachers and artists pour themselves into me and my craft. Teaching is a natural extension of my gratitude. I love watching students discover something new about themselves and humanity through music.
EM: If you could give our students one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, what would it be?
LH: Through Elemental Music, I have the great pleasure of teaching over four hundred students each week. Every class begins with singing together something simple, something joyful, affirming kids that their voice and their choice matter. Connecting with kids personally is my favorite priority in the music room.