Soitinmielessä

Soitinmielessä is a Finnish term that translates directly to "in the spirit of playing" or "with playing in mind." It is often used in the context of music education and practice to describe an approach that prioritizes engagement, enjoyment, and exploration over strict adherence to technical perfection or rote memorization. The philosophy behind "soitinmielessä" encourages musicians, particularly learners, to approach their instruments with curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

This approach emphasizes the intrinsic motivation for playing music. Instead of focusing solely on achieving a flawless performance, a "soitinmielessä" mindset encourages students to discover the sounds they can create, to improvise, and to find personal meaning in the music they play. It suggests a more relaxed and less pressured environment for learning, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

In practice, playing "soitinmielessä" might involve exploring different musical styles, improvising over chord progressions, composing simple melodies, or simply playing around with the instrument to understand its capabilities. It fosters a sense of ownership and personal connection to the music, which can lead to greater long-term commitment and a deeper appreciation for the art of music-making. This contrasts with more rigid pedagogical methods that might solely focus on accuracy and adherence to a prescribed repertoire. The goal is to nurture a lifelong love for music through playful and meaningful engagement.