Klarinet Archive - Posting 000171.txt from 1998/09

From: "Karl Krelove" <kkrelove@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Teaching Lessons
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 23:06:07 -0400

Stacy Stone wrote:
>
>Tuesday I am scheduled to begin teaching clarinet lessons. This is my
>first time to teach privately. Any suggestions on what I should do for
>their first lesson? Thanks for your thoughts!
>
Stacy, it seems like a no-brainer and something that should "go without
saying." Except I've had some very trying experiences recently concerning my
own children that make me realize that maybe it needs to be repeated once in
awhile. CARE ABOUT THE STUDENT AT LEAST as much as you care about how he/she
plays or progresses. Always remember (I hope I'm preaching to the choir
among all of you on the list, but here at home I'm no longer sure) you're
teaching a person, not an instrument. The student has come to you to teach
him something he wants (we must hope) to learn. Whatever approach you use,
you and the student need ultimately to be on the same side, not adversaries
in some sort of battle or power contest (forgive me if I sound a little
negative - I'll get over it and so will my kids, but lots of others will
unfortunately follow in their footsteps).

As for the first lesson, if the student is a total beginner, you have little
choice but to start with the basics of assembling the instrument, forming an
embouchure that is fundamentally correct (though it won't look like yours),
and producing a basic sound. If the student is not a beginner, spend most of
the first lesson listening to what he/she can already do. Poke around with
material of your own to see if you can pinpoint better where the most
important issues are and which refinements can wait. By the next lesson you
should be ready to start working on the most glaring need while you maintain
his/her interest and positive attitude. Don't try to do too much at once.

Good luck.

Karl Krelove

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