Klarinet Archive - Posting 000476.txt from 2002/12

From: Wayne P Hill <thanos563@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] problem
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 21:28:52 -0500

Your story reminds me of my own experiences with a teacher a number of
years ago. From the very fist day he insulted everything abotu my
playing from my tone to my technique to even my set-up. There was not a
thing this gentleman would praise about any aspect of my playing. It
even got to the point that when we tried to discuss the music he would
insult my intelligence and "dumb down" everything...I guess someone with
so little talent could not be expected to understand what the difference
between staccato and legato are. Anyway at one point he told me that I
had no chance of ever making it anywhere in music, I had no hope of
making itinto All-South Jersey or All-State band, and even less hope of
ever making it into a music school. I am guessing that this is where our
(your and my) personalities differ. He made me angry to the point that I
decided I would make it in ust to prove him wrong. I ended up making it
into both region and state bands and have since gone on to study music in
college (though that chapeter of my life is now closed.) The best advice
I can give to you is one of two things. You can either not let him
bother you at all, which I know is easier said than done, or you can take
the frustration and channel it into creating beautiful music. Sometimes
the best way to handle that kind of teacher is to prove them wrong in a
BIG way. From what you have told us you have the talent and the skill to
make it, just be sure to remember how to tap into it. Best of luck to
you and be sure to let us know how things go :-)

Wayne

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