running on the treadmill has never been Jennifer's favorite aerobic activity, but 1 tonight it seems as though there are lead weights on her thighs. Determined to finish her workout, she inwardly groans as she looks at the clock and realizes that she has jogged for only three minutes. As she adjusts the volume in her headphones, a favorite rock song begins. Coincidentally the driving thump of the bass is the same tempo as her footsteps! Suddenly, Jennifer finds that there are no longer any weights dragging her down. She falls into the rhythm of the song and begins to feel light and energized as she effortlessly jogs and hums along. A connection with the music and the rhythm is a stimulus that provides momentum, and it enables Jennifer to complete her workout more enthusiastically.
Many factors besides a rock song with a strong beat can be used as motivators. Some of Jennifer's extrinsic rewards might include compliments about the weight she is losing, or the new blue jeans she is promising herself when she is ten pounds lighter. However, she knows that the intrinsic rewards of pride in her achievement and the feeling of physical well-being are longer lasting and ultimately are morepowerful motivators. She is also aware of the importance of interpersonal relationships and emotions as motivators. She is reminded of a country dance, in that no matter how physically exhausted the participants are, when the band strikes up a polka, everyone enthusiastically joins in. Social relationships and sharing make the polka an exhilarating celebration rather than an aerobic exercise. Being motivated is like finding a strong beat and a great partner and being able to dance all night.
The ability to create motivation within students is one of the most important and challenging responsibilities of any teacher. In the music room, facilitating the enthusiasm within students to encourage them to take part in singing or playing an instrument is analogous to inviting the students into a partner dance where the music director leads, the rhythm enhances energy, and young musicians willingly follow.