Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:35 PM

In NZ most of the early folk clubs (in the 60s)were at universities and teacher's training colleges. Teachers were encouraged to use music and singing in class and folk material was perfect for this.
The Folkways records like Birds, beasts bugs and little fishes, School days and Songs to grow on were available here and school broadcasts included similar songs.
But don't forget librarians.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Alec
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:26 PM

I think there's a lot in what Little Hawk says as regards Teachers.
Whilst there are strong historical links between the Left & the Folk world on both sides of the Atlantic, Social Workers tend to be agents of social control & gatekeepers to services, consequently it is an unattractive career choice to many on the left.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teachers Pet
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:18 PM

Great thoughts.

Thanks for sharing.

Any more?

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Ernest
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:01 PM

A teachers pet with an educational interest....

Who would have guessed that?

Regards
Ernest

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:50 PM

I wonder to whom he could be referring?
G.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Captain Ginger
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:45 PM

I think the number of IT types is rising these days. Agreed that teachers and social workers still dominate, but eventually the geek shall inherit the earth.
Folk also seems to attract a lot of OCD/Asperger's types.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:30 PM

Folk music was always the style of music that most focused on lyrical content.....words....therefore it tends to attract people who are strong in their literacy skills. It also tends to attract people who are interested in knowing about past history in detail. It's just natural that people who are drawn to folk music would also tend to be the types who would go into teaching.

Most other styles of music are more about "the groove". They're more physical, in other words. Or they're primarily about emotion/sexual attraction ("love songs"). The style of music that appeals most directly to thinking about and focusing on the meaning of the song is folk music.

It is a teacher's job to think, to focus on meaning, and to impart that to others. (at least it should be, anyway...)

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: Mooh
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:27 PM

Word of mouth is what teachers do, how they function, and what folk is, to a large degree. It's a good fit.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:25 PM

You forgot Social Workers TP! My theory is that the majority of folkies are left leaning politically, also true of teachers and social workers!
G ¦¬]

Sits back and awaits the flak.

Subject: Why does 'folk' attract so many teachers
From: GUEST,Teachers Pet
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:21 PM

I am not disparaging teachers, just a question which has niggled at me for some time.
In any folk gathering (UK) I have attended the majority will be connected with teaching/education. Spouses, siblings, friends or working directly in education. I attended a festival and photographed the group I was with and later realised that of the fourteen persons in the photo, twelve were directly connected to teaching (I am not but sister and many in-laws are).
Any other gathering there may be one / two but no-where near the ratio in folk.
This has crossed my mind many times in the past and wondered if any mudcatters could explain.

(I am a member but dont want to risk upsetting my mudcat teaching friends who may mis-interpret my intent which is purely educational)