Prof. Jeremy Berkman
Introduce yourself in 280 characters or less.
Hi! I have studied trombone for over 45 years, but still feel like I am a beginner – as they say the more one studies anything, the more they realize there is to learn!
How would you describe your approach to teaching music? What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I try to teach to the strength and curiosity of the student. I help them acquire the diverse skillset that will enable them to access and enjoy participating in the music industry, and/or provide transferable skills to another profession.
What courses are you teaching in 2020/21?
I am a private studio instructor, but sometimes coach chamber ensembles and lead studio classes.
What can students expect during their private lessons with you?
They can expect me to be enthusiastic in supporting their aspirations, and yet a voice of experience in appreciating how much work it will take to reach them.
What do you love about your instrument?
The trombone is an instrument valued in diverse musical settings. As a wind instrument with the ability to slide between pitches, it has an affinity for both vocal music and non-traditional tunings that allow for an exploration of a very broad survey of musical compositions!
Describe one of your most memorable performances (good or bad!).
I was fortunate to perform on a concert celebrating composer John Cage’s 70th birthday. He was present, and I learned that failure is the most important stepping stone to success.
What is your favourite piece of music/composer/musician?
No one favourite piece, but if I had to take only one piece with me to a desert island it would be Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. That said, when I was the age of my students, I wore out my Peter Gabriel albums 😉.
If you couldn’t play the trombone, what instrument would you like to play?
Guitar or piano – instruments that folks would like to gather around (doesn’t seem to happen with the trombone!)
When you’re not practicing or teaching or performing, what are you most likely to be doing?
During this weird time, I am trying to learn French, get in better shape, and take more walks in the woods.
For students thinking about the BMus program, what are your top three best reasons for studying music at UBC?
Music is a wonderful window in the world…not only artistically, but within a context, a window to the history of humanity. So I would encourage any student to look far beyond their own instrument to the ways their music can serve a community, bring people together, and at times divide them (alas). I would also advise my students to look to ALL their peers as much as their professors as teachers, and try to find what there is to learn from everyone they encounter. The best three reasons to study music at UBC? The place, the people, and music!
For more information about Prof. Berkman, visit his faculty profile.
