Klarinet Archive - Posting 000124.txt from 2003/08

From: "Avi Rostov" <musictek@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Speaking of Teaching Clarinet... (kinda long)
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2003 01:13:33 -0400

I studied with John Sidney (Sid) Jensen in Baltimore from 6th grade until I
went to Peabody. He was not only an excellent clarinet teacher, he was the
most positive influence I've had in my life. Does anyone know how I might
get in touch with him?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stacy-Michelle" <stacy-michelle@-----.com>
Subject: [kl] Speaking of Teaching Clarinet... (kinda long)

> 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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>

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