Klarinet Archive - Posting 000264.txt from 2000/04

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Student motivation (or lack thereof)/ Lame Excuses
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000 12:48:56 -0400

Ann Satterfield noted:

>>Then there is occasionally the opposite difficulty-- that parents think
the lessons are important but the student doesn't.<<

I was asked once by a parent, "how much should I make my kid practice?" My
answer -- which I still believe correct -- was "zero." I am of the opinion
that enforced practicing does no good, and often harm. It bores the kid,
hurts the parents' ears and is generally hard on the poor clarinet, too.

Not that practicing is overrated -- but effective, efficient practicing only
happens when (a) the student has some idea of what they want to accomplish,
and (b) wants to get there. This is as true for my own practicing as any
middle-school kid.

Now for a poll -- what is the lamest excuse you private teachers have ever
dealt with, for a student that didn't show up (or some other related
stupidity)?

Mine: I had a no-show. Called her up, basically to inform her that I was
going to keep my fee for the missed session (I was prepaid) and to find out
if she was still alive. "Sure!" she said, "but I practiced *really* hard
and know my music, so I figured I didn't need to come!"

Sigh.

kjf

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