Klarinet Archive - Posting 000277.txt from 2000/04

From: David Blumberg <reedman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] re: lame excuse
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000 18:11:42 -0400

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

------------

Here's mine that I just heard 2 weeks ago.
Student misses lesson - no show, no call for a Saturday AM 9:00 lesson.
I call about 9:20, and leave a message.

Get a call on my machine from dad who said "wife is away, kid is sick, and
we overslept".
So the next week I ask the mom after she pays me my week's fee about paying
for the missed lesson. She gave me a look, and a head shake like I just
damn came from Mars. I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!!
The lessons came very, very close to ending at that very moment.
They like me, I like them, but it was a very uncomfortable moment.

And I didn't get paid.

W.T.F. ???? (I won't give the graphic meaning of those abrev's, but I'm
sure that Mark C. knows ;)

David Blumberg
music@-----.com
http://www.mp3.com/mytempo
http://www.mytempo.com
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