Klarinet Archive - Posting 000750.txt from 1997/07

From: Nicholas Yuk Sing Yip <nyip@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Mean clarinet teachers!
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 01:47:54 -0400

On Wed, 23 Jul 1997, Robert and Deborah Shaw wrote:

> I just need to vent! One of my best students just came back from a >
local summer band camp where she had taken a lesson from the clarinet >
teacher on staff. This young lady is just going into high school and >
made first band (out of 12 bands) 3rd chair! Well, the teacher on staff >
gave her a private lesson and criticized her so greatly that she called >
me from camp in tears. She is only 14 and a fine talent! > Now I have to
spend time undoing the damage to her tender spirit > that this teacher did
in one lesson. That makes me so angry! > I really believe that private
teachers should be the one person > that a student can go to for not only
constructive criticizm, but > encouragement! I really have a great love
for my students and just can't > understand what this teacher thinks that
they have accomplished. > Just venting. > > Deborah >

I think that I can relate well to this topic. Within the past five years
I have had five different instructors for a variety of reasons. I was
always frustrated because my instructors were frustrated and I could never
figure out why. Every instructor has a different style of teaching as well
as playing, and it took me awhile to figure that out. I kept asking the
instructor, what about doing it this way, why can't you have your
embouchure set this way, and they would give me an answer, but seemingly
frustrated.I never realized that there was more than one way to put the
ball in the hole. My instructors were trying to show me ways on how I
could teach myself to play the instrument properly and learn about music.
Considering my life history I was adjusted to always waiting and wanting to
follow somebody's way, rather than try to teach and for all that
matters think for myself, which I am still trying to do.
She was probably, confused, along with disappointed about the
competitions and the style of instructor. Being confused can make someone
frustrated, trust me. I am also very sensitive. What also can add to the
list of confusions was that instructor was probably never ready for
herhis style of learning. It takes awhile for a person to adjust to a
certain instructor sometimes and vice -versa. When someone does not
adjust to your style it can be frustrating and that's what can get an
instructor frustrated, sometimes. Also, not to put down anybody, sometimes
I have heard students have had a hard time thinking for themselves,
because they are afraid on what the instructor's reaction might be! This
can add on to the list of frustration. A lack of encouragement can also be
frustrating.
As a solution, maybe she could try teaching herself thing you showed
her. I think one of the key things in learning and teaching is the "P"
word-- PATIENCE!( especially when students are trying to think for
themselves). Things take time. Sometimes it takes students to learn things
from 1 day to six years.
However you should call or email that other instructor and talk to him.
A lack of encouragement is not called for!
I don't mean to insult anyone, and I hope this helps. Happy Trails!
Nick
nyip@-----.edu
P.S. My congradulations to her on first band. The competitionis tough
these days.

   
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