Klarinet Archive - Posting 000188.txt from 2002/06

From: "Jay Webler" <webler1@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Teaching the 'students' of today
Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 01:20:02 -0400

When my teacher in High School tried to teach me the theory of Scales
and Arpeggios, I did not like the hearing this because I just wanted to
play
the notes. I resisted his teaching on this subject. (Frankly, I had
forgotten
about this until this jogged my memory. I quess I wasn't always the model
student I thought I was). The point is this. He was right for trying to
lay a
solid foundation and I was wrong for resisting it. I did not realize this
until
years later. I have grown to regret almost every stubborn moment of my
youth
because I now know that I would have had a much more productive life if I
had
follow the instructions of my teachers and parents. It is my opinion that a
bad
teacher is one who does not teach, not one who teaches what we don't think
we
need or have a desire to learn. Since the late 60's the idea has been put
forth
that eduction only happens if it's fun, enjoyable, and has some direct
application.

I spent a lot of time in my "Laser" day's taking classes on lasers that were
shot
into peoples eyes. I don't remember them being much fun, but I am sure glad
I listened to the instructor. The ones who didn't ended up getting fired
because
they didn't think it mattered all that much. I have a multitude of horror
stories
because of people who didn't think that what they were being taught was
important.

Granted, music does not carry the same weighty issues as an Ophthalmic
Laser,
but if learning is only to take place if we enjoy it, it is no wonder that
our country
has sunk so low in test scores against the rest of the world.

Jay Webler
Jay's Clarinet and Percussion

.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nancy Buckman" <eefer@-----.net>
Subject: Re: [kl] Teaching the 'students' of today

> You see my piano teacher was right that studying jazz would make
> me a better musician, but he was wrong to shove it down my
> throat. Fortunately for me though, I still loved music enough to not push
> it away in disgust, just because I had an errant teacher.
>

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