Klarinet Archive - Posting 000625.txt from 1996/02

From: Cathleen Renee Orr <orrcathl@-----.EDU>
Subj: Helping a H.S. clarinetist
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 1996 22:06:16 -0500

> you need help with, and assign material accordingly. And the constant flow of
> new material will help both your technique and interest.
>
> I'm still up in the air as to whether private lessons really help the
> majority of students improve, or is it just the amount of practicing they do
> (which they could do private lessons or not!)
>
Richard,
Of course private lessons help students improve. Besides giving the "nudge"
to practice more (that some people really need, like myself) they contribute to
a young player's success in so many other ways. My private teachers (a college
student and later her prof, whom I still study with at college) have helped me
improve dramatically. Besides the typical things such as embouchure, breathing,
tone, hand position, etc, they have taught me how to become a better MUSICIAN.
They have nudged me to try a little harder, and not to give up. They have
applauded my moments of semi-greatness and and even applauded the moments I
thought not worthy of applause. They have helped instill a sense of
accomplishment and confidence in front of an audience. I could go on forever,
but you see my point. Just practicing more won't help, students need to
not. I didn't. I went to school with kids who, although they were practicing,
same bad habits, the same poor technique, and the same boring mat. My teachers
have given me an incredible wealth of knowledge, and they continue to, every
day.
-Cathleen

orrcathl@-----.edu