Klarinet Archive - Posting 000079.txt from 2003/08

From: "Stacy-Michelle" <stacy-michelle@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Speaking of Teaching Clarinet... (kinda long)
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2003 08:55:48 -0400

Hi list..

Recently there have been some personally rewarding posts about tips
for teaching, personal styles, etude books, etc. I will teaching
part-time at NYU this fall and will be my first time working with
college-aged and adult students. My only concern is to give my
students their money and time's worth. I want them to get out of it
everything that they want to get out it and more. As I was sitting
here reading posts and also assessing my own style, putting together
curriculum and looking at my teaching method I realized (looking back
at my teacher history) I've studied with some really mentally jacked
up people, to be perfectly honest. I won't name names cause I'm sure
I'd get flamed but I have found that the most famous name or the top
guy/gal in the orchestra or the most recorded clarinetist, is not
always the best teacher.

For instance, I've studied with Tom Piercy, who to me is a GREAT
teacher, didn't charge much, and I had never heard of him before
taking lessons, but he turned out to be one the best I've studied
with. It is his style of teaching, his encouragement, his knowledge
of the instrument and methodology, and how he explains what he wants
me to achieve that proved to be of great importance.

Now on the other hand, there was Professor "X" who was a fabulous
clarinetist, principal of a major opera orchestra many years ago, and
on the faculty everywhere. I was stuck with this person for 5 years
because of my mindset at the time that his name and professional
experience should be more worthy than the fact that each week I went
through yelling, banging, cursing, belitting, and disrespect for an
entire hour. I guess I was a glutton for punishment. Yet, when I
told anybody that I studied with this person, it was like instant
respect and compliments.

I know many of us have experienced this at one time or another.
However, I have learned over the years that not every great musician
is a great teacher. And sometimes the ones who didn't get their "big
break" turn out to be the most magnificent teachers.

So I say all that to ask, what is more important to you in a teacher,
the prestigious name, or the technique and knowledge of a qualified
instructor??

Thanks for your responses.

--
Soulfully,

Stacy-Michelle Valentine
http://clarinetvibe.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClassicallyBlack

"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If
you
don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. They teach you
there's
a boundary line to music. But, man, there's no boundary line to
art." - Charlie Parker

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