Astral
Teaching Artist Intro Video
Artists ARKAI check in with students while on tour
Virtual Demonstration
Why is it important for teaching artists to share their personal identities as artists with students?
Teaching artists are both teachers and working artists. Notice how Astral artists "ARKAI” are still thinking about their students while they are on tour. By taking videos of their experiences on tour, they are not only showing dedication to both their artist and teacher identities, they are also sharing with students what a career in the arts looks like. That is valuable knowledge that most students don’t get the opportunity to see first hand!
“Classroom Classics, Astral's school-based residency, is centered on a personal experience of classical music for students and musicians to share together. Astral Artists work to translate complex musical and interpersonal skills into language and examples that resonate with students. This translation centers on simplifying, not diluting, understanding of the musical and SEL skills. Astral's approach is centered in curiosity and building connections to music in ways that are authentic and engaging. We are enthusiastic learners and look forward to sharing knowledge and learning together. We are also aware of the systemic biases that impact who is seen in the arts, particularly classical music, and actively work to knock down these "false walls" by amplifying the voices of composers and artists of color, those who identify as female or trans, and those living with disabilities. “
-Astral