Klarinet Archive - Posting 000677.txt from 2002/03
From: "Patricia Alison Smith" <pattiesmith@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Teaching the adult student; was noblet vs. evette
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 11:58:53 -0500
Someone wrote (I'm not really sure who):
"I don't have to do everything my teacher says. I'm in my 30s and am not so
easily intimidated or talked into things."
Oh-kay. I have some thoughts about this issue. Seems as if you may have
had some negative experiences with the educational establishment in your
formative years; there are those of us have had teachers who were downright
abusive. It is unfortunate. However, now that you are an adult, it is a
whole new ball game, and you can adjust your attitude and really enjoy
music.
First of all, our motivation for learning becomes more of an inner one. We
don't go to class or take lessons and learn because the law says we must or
our parents are cracking the proverbial whip. We do these things because
perhaps we wish to make more money, or we wish to pursue a subject that
interests us. Or there are other reasons; however, the reasons are our own,
not other peoples.
Also, adults tend to learn in different ways than children and adolescents.
Adults do NOT have to be forced to practice a horn, for example. They may
have less time - and a sensible teacher will understand that. Adults
normally are capable of organizing a regular, if limited practice schedule.
The fact that they do practice regularly contributes to the steady progress
teachers of adults tend to see. (At least that has been my experience)
Expectations for adult students have to be set by the STUDENT, not the
teacher, though the expectations may need some adjusting. Sometimes adults
underestimate what they are capable of. Also, they sometimes stay with a
teacher who teaches everyone in the same way, child, adolescent or adult.
YOU are now paying the bill - change teachers if the person is not working
out. You deserve someone who recognizes the special challenges and rewards
that adult students give a good teacher.
The adult student often will learn more quickly, as far as actual progress,
than children or adolescents, simply because s/he will be able to draw on a
vast amount of experience that children and adolescents simply do not have
available, and apply that experience to playing a horn. Unfortunately, some
adults will find certain outside elements impediments, such as excess
smoking or arthritis in joints - however, these can be adjusted, and adults
can find a great deal of enjoyment in playing an instrument.
Good luck - and, as I said before, it is okay to find a teacher who is
skilled in teaching adult students. You will enjoy yourself more, and you
will both reap the benefits!
Patricia A. Smith
pattiesmith@-----.net
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