Klarinet Archive - Posting 000031.txt from 2002/06

From: KarenEDB@-----.com
Subj: Re: [kl] Teaching the 'students' of today
Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2002 20:20:03 -0400

Dear list members-
I have read with great interest the posts about band students and the
band programs of today! i am a MS Band director as well as a private
teacher! The program I teach in is very large-about 1/3 of the school is
involved. As with anything-the variety of students is amazing. I have a
number of amazing students amd I have those who-well----really struggle or
don't try at all. I have high expectations from my students because it helps
them to take more ownership in their progress! The students in our top
groups read a LOT of literature and give 5-6 concerts a year. We also expect
them to do simple theory and to display correct playing skills. I never let
up and they enjoy their improvement! I also have studetns that are not easy
to control-=but I must say-that is true for them in every class, the sad
thing is that they detract from those who really care and want to learn. I
believe this is where parents should come in. Todays society expects
teachers to fix everything and as much as we try, it isn't possible. Parents
need to bear more responsibility in these cases! I will do whatever it takes
for a student to learn but they have to want it!

When it comes to private lessons. I tell my students at the onset that
they are expected to come prepared or they may lose the priviledge of
studying with me. I rarely have many problems with attitude and if I do it
doesn't happen again. In private teaching I never have to resort to being
mean. I work to get to know my students as people because I am not only
teaching music I am teaching them to become the best adults they can be.
I've always had the philosophy that my goal was to teach students to love
music and the rest would happen-and it does!

Sorry this has rambled-teaching public school is tough today. It takes A
LOT of patience and LOTS of time beyond the school day! It often consumes
your life. It is the greatest job on the world! I know my students and
parents parents repect me and work with me to do what is best for their
child. Do I abuse their time-absolutely not!! They should have time to try
many activities-that's what childhood is for! Good luck to all of you who
have children in school music programs!

Karen

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