A talented musician always has opportunities, both in Moldova and abroad. However, the biggest challenge remains the motivation to work consistently. For this reason, the support of teachers and parents is essential, especially in childhood. This is the opinion of Liubov Goldenberg, the acting director of the “Sergei Rachmaninoff” Republican Music Lyceum. In an interview given to IPN, the manager of the institution explained the importance of musical education for children and the reasons why university graduates often avoid teaching in schools.
The vocation of being a teacher
Mrs. Goldenberg, at first I would kindly ask you to tell us about your teaching journey.
My professional path did not start as the interim director of the high school. I was appointed to this position on February 17, 2025, but before that, I had been working at the high school for nearly 20 years as a primary school teacher – a role I still fulfill today. I believe that being a teacher is my vocation, because not everyone can bring benefits to society, love children, and educate the young generation.
After two years of master’s studies, I obtained a degree in Primary Education Management. The role of a manager in an educational institution is a great responsibility. Unlike a teacher, who only manages a class of children, the manager leads a team of educators and students of different ages, for each of whom it is necessary to find an individual approach.
Why did you decide to dedicate your life to music education?
I ended up at this high school by the will of fate. Despite having no direct connection with music, during my studies at the Pedagogical College, I played the accordion for five years. In my life, there were also subjects such as: solfeggio, rhythmics, etc. I believe it’s not a coincidence.
The role of musical education
Why is musical education important?
Musical education develops perseverance and stress resistance in a child, as they constantly have to take the stage. Appearing in front of an audience is not as easy as it seems. They have to hide all their emotions, come out smiling, and convey warmth. It’s a tremendous amount of work on oneself.
Music signifies tranquility and peace, which is why we must encourage more children to develop spiritually. It’s not just about music, but about art in general. When a person “befriends” music from childhood, it contributes to their overall development, broadens their horizon, and enriches them spiritually.
What perspectives do young musicians in Moldova have and what difficulties do they face?
A good musician always has prospects, not only in Moldova, but also abroad. The greatest difficulty is forcing yourself to work. In childhood, it is hard to work alone. You definitely need support from those around you, not only from teachers, but also from parents.
How do you appreciate the level of support provided by the state to young musicians? Do you consider it to be sufficient?
I would like to speak from the perspective of our high school: the state supports students with scholarships of up to 1,000 lei. We have a dormitory within the high school, where children from all corners of the country come to learn. They live here throughout the year, including during holidays. This category of students receives a scholarship from the state, regardless of their average in general or musical subjects. Also, scholarships are provided for academic achievements and for securing winning places in competitions. This motivates them to strive for accomplishments.
Admissions
How many students are studying in high school?
In the previous school year, there were 189 students, of which 17 were boarding. In the new academic year, approximately 205 students are expected. In the first grade, 22 children have already enrolled, according to the data from the first stage. This is a good indicator, as we have classes with a reduced number of students. After the supplementary stage, I believe this number will increase. In the tenth grade, after the first stage, 20 students were enrolled and there will probably be more.
What are the admission criteria? What do parents and children who want to study at “Sergei Rachmaninoff” high school need to know?
We pay attention to the child’s skills. For first-grade students, there are specific admission tests, where rhythm, musical hearing, memory, etc. are evaluated. The presentation of the candidate’s communication skills is very important, as well as the knowledge of basic things about oneself.
In the tenth grade, the child already comes with certain skills to play an instrument and possesses knowledge in music theory.
Who chooses the tool: the high school or the child?
A committee is formed that determines which instrument the child will play. Sometimes, parents try to realize their own dreams through their child – for example, they want them to play the piano or the violin. We try to explain to them that it is important to take into account the child’s abilities and the recommendations of specialists.
How do teachers support first grade students in adapting to the new social environment?
Children need to feel that their teacher is not a stranger to them. The primary school teacher is like a “school mother”, and students should come to school with the conviction that they will be warmly welcomed. They need to feel comfortable, to be in a group of children – only in this way the adaptation process will pass absolutely unnoticed. The child should not feel fear when he is in class.
The educational process
How is the study process organized in high school?
The study process traditionally begins on September 1st and lasts until May 31st. Students in the ninth and twelfth grades usually study until May 25th, after which they begin preparing for graduation exams. Our educational institution operates in two shifts, as the building is small. Grades I, III, V-VIII study in the first shift. Grades II, IV, IX-XII study in the second shift. The first shift begins at 8 in the morning and lasts until 11:35. In addition, there are extended program groups for primary grades.
In our high school, students follow a dual program: musical subjects and general subjects.
What instruments do your students play?
There is a department for string instruments (violin, viola, double bass, cello, guitar), special piano, wind instruments, folk and percussion instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, tuba, trombone, bassoon, oboe, accordion, drum), a general and specialized piano department, a theoretical-compositional department, chamber ensemble and accompaniment mastery.
There is the opinion that, in music education institutions, the emphasis is put on musical subjects, while general subjects are pushed to the background. What is your opinion about this statement?
Yes, this approach persists among parents and students, but I always say that you can become excellent musicians over the course of 12 years of study. However, you must always remember that the national exams from the gymnasium cycle and for obtaining the baccalaureate diploma have not been cancelled. No musical instrument will replace the support of these exams. In middle school and high school, you are already conscious individuals and understand what you need for life. You should not put general subjects on the back burner, because no one knows what awaits you after finishing high school.
In case the child loses interest in music, how does high school manage such situations?
The school tries to motivate him. For example, we had the twelfth grade who successfully passed the baccalaureate exams. Before the exams, one of the graduates went through a moment of crisis, accompanied by apathy towards everything. We found the right words to help her and, as a result, she passed the exams with excellent results and was admitted to the conservatory. Teachers have this ability – to influence the child through words. That’s why there are cases where we manage to “save” such children.
At the same time, unfortunately, there have been cases where the child realizes that he does not belong there. Then he changes the educational institution.
Prospects for graduates
How does the professional life of students progress after graduation? Where do they continue their studies? What profession do they choose next?
Most often, graduates go abroad, but there are also those who stay in the country and even get employed in our institution as teachers. For instance, many of our former students are now teaching in high school. We strive to shape them in a way that they would want to return. The most important thing is for the graduate to find their own path. Music will always accompany them, even if it does not become their profession.
You mentioned the graduates who got employed in high school here. In this context, I would like to ask: does the school face a shortage of staff, not only for musical subjects but also for general ones? If so, what are the causes of this phenomenon?
We have a constant shortage of musicians, therefore we are trying to attract more young specialists. Currently, young teachers who are fully dedicated to their profession are working at the high school. It is a great rarity.
If a young specialist is passionate about their profession and wishes to gain experience, why not offer them this opportunity? The most important thing is for the teacher, whether they are a musician or teach general subjects, to have professionalism and pedagogical ethics. They must know how to work with children and find an individual approach, because we have a diverse group of students. At the same time, an experienced teacher has a solid knowledge base, possesses a significant professional background, and acts as a mentor for younger colleagues.
It seems to me that today’s young specialists do not have the desire to come to school and work with children. They are afraid of responsibility. Another important factor is the low salary.
Promoting music
Throughout high school, there are several artistic groups that are active. Can you tell us more about their activities?
In high school, groups such as “Djazz Band”, “Liceul Dixie”, “Rondo”, “Bon-Accord” are active. These are composed of students of different ages, the best of the best, who represent the image of the high school at various events.
For the students who are part of these groups, this primarily represents a status and a reason for pride. Alongside these formations, they ascend onto various stages, obtain diplomas and awards, which can be useful later in their artistic activity.
What are the objectives of the high school for the next years?
First and foremost, we, of course, aspire to grow. We aim for our high school to remain the same great family. And, undoubtedly, our goal is to bring music into the hearts of an ever-increasing number of people.
This year, thanks to state funding, we have renovated the canteen. The high school is housed in a historic building and requires constant maintenance. Thus, we would be grateful for any form of support. We try to do everything within our power, depending on the financial resources provided by the state.
What advice would you give to parents who have doubts about whether to send their child to a music high school or not?
Education in our high school is free and is conducted in Russian. Every parent has the chance to bring their child to us, if they have the necessary aptitudes. We are always open to collaboration!
Milena Macarciuc, IPN