Klarinet Archive - Posting 001062.txt from 1997/10

From: "Craig E. G. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: bad tone
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 1997 00:06:43 -0400

AmyLynnR@-----.com wrote:

"I don't think you can blame bad teachers for turning kids off to music.
I've never had a really good teacher."

That really too bad. Luckily, I have had the advantage of truly
competent teaching, and I really have to sympathize! It was hard enough
mastering an instrument with a good teacher.

"In fact, I've never even had a teacher who knew how to play the
clarinet. I just practice twice a day and I try to learn from those
around me, books, and well, the internet."

You really should seek out someone in the community. There's got to be
someone who is good. Do you have a local symphony? Ask you band
director for help! That's what he's there for. He should be able to
give you the name of someone, but if not do your own research!

"My band instructer couldn't care less about anything but his stupid
beloved trumpet section! My point is, that if you're motivated to play
music, nothing can stop you."

True in theory, but a good teacher can really make a difference.

"Right now I'm making a sad attempt at teaching myself the flute, and
I'll get it eventually. No one doesn't like music, the fact is that it
is not sociably accebtable to be a musician, or in performing arts,
which sorta cuts me out of everything. It's not the teachers, it's
society as a whole."

Wow! Where did this come from? Socially as in a school environment. I
know that the people in my community have tremendous respect for
musicians. In my community band people always come up to members of the
band and tell us how much they appreciate it. Many have members of when
the played an instrument in high school. I'm really sorry you feel this
way! Have pride in what you do! Some people may not like it, but many,
many more will!!

--
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1711

Thought of the Day:

"Besides learning to see, there is another
art to be learned-not to see what
is not." -Maria Mitchell