Klarinet Archive - Posting 001055.txt from 2000/01

From: "Patricia Smith" <david-patty@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: Why?
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 18:08:34 -0500

IMHO, there are certain characteristics that a good private teacher will
possess.
First of all, s/he will show enjoyment of teaching. If the person does not
like teaching, it becomes apparent in the way s/he reacts to students. One
always feels as if one is being put off.
Secondly, the teacher will always offer any critique in a positive, pleasant
manner, emphasizing what positive aspect of the student's playing a change
will enhance, or quickly pointing out that a serious problem does not make a
student a bad player.
Third, and I cannot emphasize this one enough - the best teachers always
give detailed, knowledgeable responses to student questions and do not try
to put students off with pat answers. The best teachers admit when they are
not sure or do not know, and invite the student to join them on a quest for
knowledge.
Except for the occasional teacher who has had physical problems, a good
teacher will be a good player and will enjoy performing in some manner or
form. Sure, not all teachers play with symphony orchestras; but why teach
an instrument you really are not serious about. If you suspect s/he only
does it for the money, run, don't walk, as far away as you can get.
I'm sure I could think of more characteristics of good teachers, but these
are the ones that come to mind the most quickly.
Patty Smith

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org