Cellist to teach

Press, 29 June 1983, Page 14

Cellist to teach

To teach is the most rewarding aspect of music, for the newly-appointed cello lecturer at the School of Music at the University of Canterbury, Mr Walter Godde. Although the 34-year-old German cellist has had teaching experience in the United States, this is his first permanent position and he views it with enthusiasm. “To me it is very important to have a regular teaching position and through the music you can make good contact with other people.” Mr Godde studied at the University of Indiana, under Professor Janos Starker. He had earlier been a pupil of the professor in Germany, and became his assistant four years ago. Last year he was appointed a member of the teaching staff at the university and relieved in classes for Professor Starker. Naturally, his teaching ideas will be based on those of his former tutors. “One of the main messages given to me is to be able to stimulate the students and to show a willingness to bring out their best. This means that students should be educated and aware of their capacity, whether they are happy with it, or looking for too much or too little.” “A teacher has to be flexible and guide each individual on to the right track. You can not apply one particular system to every student,” he said. Born in Germany, Walter Godde began studying the cello, at the age of six, at the Music Conservatory in Duisburg, and later at Essen under the tutelage of Pro-

fessors Paul Tortelier and Maria Kleige. From there he went on to the University of Indiana to Professor Starker. He makes no claim to favouring any particular composer or composition but rather concentrates on the piece he is playing at the time, “whether it be Tchaikovsky, Schubert, or Bach.” “I like all aspects where classical music is concerned.” Other interests include reading, poetry, and sport, although he admits it will take some time before he can appreciate the “main” sports in New Zealand. “The main sport in Germany is soccer and here in New Zealand it seems, at the moment, to be cricket. I think it will take some time before I will get used to the types of sport in this country. I did develop an interest in basketball while I was in the United States though.” This is Mr Godde’s first visit to New Zealand but because he started teaching soon after his arrival he has not had time to see the country. “I would like sometime to do some exploring. I flew from Auckland to Christchurch on a clear day and the country seemed so beautiful.” Mr Godde made his debut to Christchurch music lovers at an introductory recital at the James Hay Theatre, only a few days after his arrival, with two other music lecturers at the university, Messrs Carl Pini (violin), and Maurice Till (piano).