How Mozart & Gutenberg Inform my Leadership

As a history teacher, I love when I can align what I’ve learned about the past with what is happening in today’s world. We call this continuity and change – the ability to tie a thread of an idea, an event, or happening, from then to now. Today, I heard the incredible story of Mozart listening to Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere while visiting Rome as a 12 year old boy. He heard this music once, and then copied it down note for note. He went back the next day, to make a few minor corrections, and then voila, the highly guarded, never before copied piece was open to the world!

Leopold told of Wolfgang’s accomplishment in a letter to his wife dated April 14, 1770 (Rome):

“…You have often heard of the famous Miserere in Rome, which is so greatly prized that the performers are forbidden on pain of excommunication to take away a single part of it, copy it or to give it to anyone. But we have it already. Wolfgang has written it down and we would have sent it to Salzburg in this letter, if it were not necessary for us to be there to perform it. But the manner of performance contributes more to its effect than the composition itself. Moreover, as it is one of the secrets of Rome, we do not wish to let it fall into other hands….” (from Classical Net)

I love this story of Mozart because he freed up a piece that is now enjoyed around the world. It speaks to a long held desire to set free information, music and ideas. Gutenberg is more famous for his connection to freedom of information, ideas and religion.

This need has often been stifled by those that fear it; however, as I head into my new position as Director of Teaching and Learning, Mozart and Gutenberg will be forefront on my mind and daily practice.

To start, I’ve created a GoogleSite where I’ve linked the key theory, initiatives and foundational documents for my role and what I hope to accomplish in it. If teachers want to know what I think, what I am looking for, and what my idea of best practices are, they need to look no further.

I am hoping that this will foster a conversation that will, like Mozart and Gutenberg, exist and persist over time!

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