Klarinet Archive - Posting 000996.txt from 1997/10

From: Charles <chardy@-----.com>
Subj: Re: bad tone
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 1997 13:56:51 -0400

At 11:44 AM 10/25/97 -0400, you wrote:
>Hello all!
>
>I have a problem with the bad tone message. If someone is a teacher of
>woodwinds, on any level, should'nt they know or find out how to solve the
>pupils problems on their instrument? If the teacher does not have a clue,
>how can the student improve? My son had a similar experience in school band.
> The "teacher" did not address the trouble he was having with his instrument
>and he became very frustrated with the entire musical experience. He gave it
>up for the school year and became re-interested in the summer. I decided to
>get him a private instructor and see if he could make better progress. It
>worked! My son found a new love for music and his instument and is
>progressing at a steady rate. I'm sure not all children would be affected
>the way he was, but it worked for him.
>I feel the "bad teacher" problem in some of our schools turns a lot of kids
>off to music and playing instruments. If a student does not know what levels
>of ability are out there, how can they ever aspire to play on a high level?
> Hiring a professional to teach can be very expensive, but a good school
>music teacher can guide them in the right direction initially. There will be
>a time when the student will need to study with a pro on their chosen
>instrument if they want to go beyond playing in community bands. The point
>I'm trying to make is that if you are a music teacher and you can not
>personally help the student, find someone who can. By not helping the
>student, you do exactly the opposite of what your job is supposed to do. A
>music teacher is supposed to help make musicians. Thank you.
>
It's hard to get good teachers when the pay is so low. Also to blame is the college
preparation required. Usually six weeks on woodwinds, six on brass, six on percussion.
I feel it should be at least two semesters on each if the person is going to teach beginners. How many trumpet players are teaching beginning clarinets and flutes, trombones and tubas? And vice-versa. No wonder so many problems and discouraged kids come out of the music program!.........Charlie