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Inspiring future musical stars at WISS
November 24, 2010, Wednesday
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SINCE 2009, Anne Drouet has been the director of music at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS).
This young British talent and artist is not only a gifted music teacher, but also an international composer who has recently co-written a chart-topping debut album with Polish star, Pola. But what Drouet enjoys the most is to teach students from different cultures and with different musical abilities. She has taught students from beginners to young talents such as Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis.
We interviewed Drouet at WISS.
Q: Anne, can you describe what music is for you?
A: Oh, what music is for me? Music defines me. I couldn't imagine my life without music. When I was young I would always go to the piano to play and compose. Music is a passion in my life. It is completely vital for me. My sister once asked me what was the longest period of time that I didn't play the piano and that must have been when my son Pierre was born and I stayed at the hospital for a week.
Q: Can you give us some examples of what you have composed and what is your source of inspiration?
A: Among others, I have written eight musicals. Some together with professional musicians and some with children. I've also written for film, including one for the Weinstein Company's "Awake." Life and other people's stories are my main source of inspiration.
Q: What would you say are the most important influences on your music?
A: It is usually what I am listening to at that time.
Q: So then, what is the music you are listening to at the moment, and if you could take only one CD to a deserted island, which one would it be?
A: Right now I am listening to Keith Jarrett. The new album is called Jasmine. I love the touch he has on the piano. His music really appeals to me.
The CD I would take to a deserted island would be a combination of my favorites, and would include: Metallica, Beethoven, Bach, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse and definitely some Cole Porter.
Q: Why did you choose to teach at WISS?
A: I was already an IB music examiner and I was so impressed with the work I was grading that I wanted to explore the IB curriculum. The child-centered approach at WISS really fascinated me.
And I do not regret a single minute ? WISS is for sure, the happiest school I've ever been in.
Q: What was the most memorable advice ever given to you?
A: Actually it was from my current colleague here at WISS, Mr Smart. A long time ago, he told me "One man's cheese is another man's emotion." This set me free to compose and express whatever I felt, without having to doubt my ideas.
Q: As the director of music, what is your motto to inspire the WISS students?
A: I would say: "Just have a go, but practice and practice. If you've found a passion for music, don't be afraid to follow it."
Definitely one asset is that the classes are so small so we can work individually with each and every child to help them develop their potential.
Also Mr Smart and I both come from the music industry so we are teachers as well as composers and musicians. We are able to apply our professional knowledge in the classroom.
Q: What is the most memorable music experience you have had at WISS so far?
A: Every time a child steps out of his/her shell and realizes he/she can perform I am deeply touched. Also when one of my students recently finished writing her first symphony, it really was emotional for me.
Q: Do you have any advice for those young students who dream about becoming professional musicians?
A: Well, I guess it is simply just to practice and practice all over again, and listen to as much music as you can.
Q: What was it like to work with Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis?
A: Lewis was as quiet as a mouse in the classroom but on stage she was 10-feet (3.05 meters) tall. She is such a talent. I taught her when she was 14 to 16 at the BRIT School of Performing Arts in London. She was a real sweetie.
I was Winehouse's singing teacher when she was 16 to 17. She was working so hard and already performed gigs late into the nights during school time.
She was an extremely talented girl and had already found her unique voice and musical style. As I said before, I would take her music to a deserted island.
This young British talent and artist is not only a gifted music teacher, but also an international composer who has recently co-written a chart-topping debut album with Polish star, Pola. But what Drouet enjoys the most is to teach students from different cultures and with different musical abilities. She has taught students from beginners to young talents such as Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis.
We interviewed Drouet at WISS.
Q: Anne, can you describe what music is for you?
A: Oh, what music is for me? Music defines me. I couldn't imagine my life without music. When I was young I would always go to the piano to play and compose. Music is a passion in my life. It is completely vital for me. My sister once asked me what was the longest period of time that I didn't play the piano and that must have been when my son Pierre was born and I stayed at the hospital for a week.
Q: Can you give us some examples of what you have composed and what is your source of inspiration?
A: Among others, I have written eight musicals. Some together with professional musicians and some with children. I've also written for film, including one for the Weinstein Company's "Awake." Life and other people's stories are my main source of inspiration.
Q: What would you say are the most important influences on your music?
A: It is usually what I am listening to at that time.
Q: So then, what is the music you are listening to at the moment, and if you could take only one CD to a deserted island, which one would it be?
A: Right now I am listening to Keith Jarrett. The new album is called Jasmine. I love the touch he has on the piano. His music really appeals to me.
The CD I would take to a deserted island would be a combination of my favorites, and would include: Metallica, Beethoven, Bach, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse and definitely some Cole Porter.
Q: Why did you choose to teach at WISS?
A: I was already an IB music examiner and I was so impressed with the work I was grading that I wanted to explore the IB curriculum. The child-centered approach at WISS really fascinated me.
And I do not regret a single minute ? WISS is for sure, the happiest school I've ever been in.
Q: What was the most memorable advice ever given to you?
A: Actually it was from my current colleague here at WISS, Mr Smart. A long time ago, he told me "One man's cheese is another man's emotion." This set me free to compose and express whatever I felt, without having to doubt my ideas.
Q: As the director of music, what is your motto to inspire the WISS students?
A: I would say: "Just have a go, but practice and practice. If you've found a passion for music, don't be afraid to follow it."
Definitely one asset is that the classes are so small so we can work individually with each and every child to help them develop their potential.
Also Mr Smart and I both come from the music industry so we are teachers as well as composers and musicians. We are able to apply our professional knowledge in the classroom.
Q: What is the most memorable music experience you have had at WISS so far?
A: Every time a child steps out of his/her shell and realizes he/she can perform I am deeply touched. Also when one of my students recently finished writing her first symphony, it really was emotional for me.
Q: Do you have any advice for those young students who dream about becoming professional musicians?
A: Well, I guess it is simply just to practice and practice all over again, and listen to as much music as you can.
Q: What was it like to work with Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis?
A: Lewis was as quiet as a mouse in the classroom but on stage she was 10-feet (3.05 meters) tall. She is such a talent. I taught her when she was 14 to 16 at the BRIT School of Performing Arts in London. She was a real sweetie.
I was Winehouse's singing teacher when she was 16 to 17. She was working so hard and already performed gigs late into the nights during school time.
She was an extremely talented girl and had already found her unique voice and musical style. As I said before, I would take her music to a deserted island.
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