Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity

This is a fantastic TED Talk given by author Elizabeth Gilbert in February of 2009. Since that time it has remained one of the most popular videos at ted.com, which is further evidence that creativity continues to be on everyone's minds these days. As you watch it, resist the assumption that ensemble music students are creative by default, and instead think about how you can empower your students to become more involved in the creative process of bringing music to fruition. Further, what does it mean for music teachers to be creative?

What do you think? Leave a comment, it only takes a moment.

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement

The president of Harvard indicated that J.K. Rowling was invited to speak because of the way she inspired so many young people "to experience the excitement and sheer joy of reading." Implicit in that statement is the creativity she possesses. Young people (and old, by the way) did not embrace reading so much as they embraced the story of Harry Potter.

Persistence and commitment to the creative process is the future. I wonder if the president of Harvard caught that.