 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-09 17:22
When do you know you're ready to start giving lessons to amateurs? I have one girl that keeps asking me to give her lessons and that she's willing to pay me, but instead I just help her out with little things here and there.
And I'm worried cause I don't even know my scales by heart, but when I spoke to a professor about those scales (a piano teacher) he said (without knowing that I was thinking about it), the best way to learn something, is to teach it. Cause then it helps force you to learn it for yourself. Then he told me to go to the local music shops (some retail chains such as "Sam Ash" or "The Music Den" or anything along those lines) and ask them if they need someone to teach clarinet and tell them I'm a student but would like to teach it.
I know it's hard for you guys to judge whether I'm fit or not to teach without knowing me, my ability, my demeanor or any other personal details, but what are some clues I can look for in myself to find out whether it's a possibility in the upcoming months?
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-12-09 17:46
Buy a copy of Dr. David Pino's book, which has a good section on teaching the Clarinet. Read it. If you can do all of that, and you believe you know enough about music as a whole to answer any uncomfortable questions (or to answer honestly, "I don't know, but I'll find out" -- and then do that), enjoy your teaching career.
Many a teacher has succeeded by staying just one step ahead of students. It may not be the best way, but the teacher sure learns a lot.
Regards,
John
retired teacher, among other things
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2003-12-09 17:49
Being a good teacher is not just about being a good player. It's also about being able to explain how to do things, and to diagnose problems.
If you listen to a beginner, can you tell what they are doing wrong? Not just point out the wrong notes, that's easy, but diagnose faults in tonguing, embouchure and breathing? And then explain to them how they should be doing it?
The analogy with a sports coach is a good one. Most sports coaches are too old to compete. Some were never even strong competitors in the first place. This doesn't matter; they don't have to show the pupil what to do, they have to watch and correct.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2003-12-09 20:24
Alexi -
It seems, if I'm reading between the lines of you post correctly, that you're already a willing helper to those who seek your advice. Go back for a moment to the last time or two this happened and consider the following:
Are you able to explain to someone how to do something, words only, without using your hands or your own instrument?
Does your own enthusiasm spill out enough to bolster their natural incentive?
Do you look for opportunities to praise and encourage when they get it right?
Do you correct rather than criticize?
Do you have LOTS of patience?
I believe I hear a thoughtful "yes" to most of those questions. I that case, why not take to heart the information John and David, and your professor friend offer and seriously consider the possibilities? You could, maybe, begin by setting aside some time, half an hour a week for a start, to spend with the Student who's seeking your advice. See how it goes. If things progress well and you find you enjoy it you might eventually take on some paying students. By then you'll already have some 'experience' to shore up your confidence. When you discover your schedule too full to take on more beginners, ask your Student friend to take them until they're ready to transfer to you for more advanced studies.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
Post Edited (2003-12-09 20:39)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-09 21:51
Sounds like some good advice from all. She really wants to take lessons from me so I'll ask her to be my "guinea pig" to learn how to teach. And she'll also get to learn what she wants.
Any ideas on what stuff I should get to facilitate teaching? Is it in that book mentioned above? I figured a copy of the Rose Studies, some scale practice sheets, Rubanks duets Volume 1, I have a nice little packet put together by my instructor which has five chapters from Production of Good Tone, to correct posture, to method of staccato, etc. I'll be using that to help me as well. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. I'll give it a shot and see how it goes.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-12-09 22:10
David Pino's book, *The Clarinet and Clarinet
Playing* is the one. It's a real bargain at under nine dollars. Just don't expect it to be perfect (as, indeed, you should not expect of any book). The book is no doubt in stock at Van Cott Information Services, a BB sponsor.
Regards,
John
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Author: ksclarinetgirl
Date: 2003-12-10 20:09
A question for those who know-
Would the Keith Stein book "Art of Clarinet Playing" be a good book to purchase? I am in a similar situation to Alexi, although I started teaching 4 weeks ago.
Also, "THe Clarinet and Clarinet Playing" is on Amazon for $8.76
Stephanie :o)
Stephanie :o)
"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-10 20:23
Thanks steph. I'll be ordering a copy tomorrow.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-12-10 20:41
The Pino book is more extensive than the Stein book, which is also a good one. But the Stein book has no section on being a teacher. By the way, Pino was a student of Stein.
I believe Van Cott, BB sponsor (who gives great service), wants $8.95 for the Pino book (which has a "sticker price" of $9.95). He also usually has the Stein book in stock.
Regards,
John
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-10 20:59
May as well help out a BB sponsor rather than Amazon (who hasn't yet sponsored our board as far as I know.)
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: coasten1
Date: 2003-12-10 21:13
I had thought about teaching beginner students just because I know I am far enough along to be able to help. It wouldn't really be good to teach people that are of your ability level or beyond. They probably won't learn much from you at all because they already know.
As far as charging. Since this is your first student to try lessons with, you might consider keeping the charge down until you establish if both of you are making progress in the lessons. Then you could talk more seriously about a 'real' lesson price.
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-12-10 22:17
sfalexi ... you go for it, teaching is one of the biggest instructors in life. I've taught music, software, hansard (all professionally) and all are wonderful experiences - especially if you get students wanting to learn.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-11 00:26
Well right now I'm a math tutor. I tutor up through Calculus II and after next semester I'll be able to add Calculus III to my list. However that's essential to my future since I intend on being a math teacher as a career. The music aspect I'm not too sure on how to teach it or whether I can. I will definitely be trying next year to teach it. I'll continue with my one "student" (except now we'll have official weekly lessons instead of me just helping out every now and then after rehearsal) and if that goes well and I feel like I can handle more, I'll find other students.
Thanks for the support and thoughts. I love this board. It's always helpful - not only for advice and information, but just for a little nudge here and there to get my butt in gear.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: SteveL
Date: 2003-12-11 04:41
About six months ago my 9yo son discovered my old clarinet in the closet and asked me to teach him to play. I was a bit hesitant since he would be my first student, and I did not want to short-change him on any aspects of clarinet playing.
Before commencing with the first lesson, I read the Stein and Pino books and studied all pertinent posts on this (wonderful) bulletin board.
I am happy to report my son is not only doing very well with the lessons, he thoroughly enjoys them as well. I am well rewarded!
BTW, I have also corresponded with Dr. Pino via e-mail, and he has been extremely helpful.
Good luck!
Steve L
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