 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2010-05-29 22:28
This is not so much a clarinet post as just a coping in life problem but it is my one.
I find criticism hard. I practise assiduously and never miss a band practise but seem to cop a lot of criticism. I try hard to do my best but how do you stop this from hurting and discouraging you and making you want to give up. There are no other bands in my area I can move to. " Cry baby" maybe, but any suggestions `cos I love music?
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Author: Ralph Katz
Date: 2010-05-29 22:42
Last year, I heard Arnold Steinhart, 1st violin of the Guarneri Quartet, talk to a High School orchestra about what it was like for him in that group early on. He said the constant criticism got under his skin, until he realized it was coming from 3 of the best teachers in the world, at which point his attitude changed.
Realize there are a lot of crabby clarinet players out there, and I wouldn't be discouraged. They have different teachers, different methods, different gear, different goals. If your critics are trying to help, you should try to accept it. If your critics are just being jerks, don't play into their game by letting it bother you. But you have to do the analysis.
Regards
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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2010-05-30 01:20
There is a big difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. A lot of people can't deliver constructive criticism except in a destructive way so it's a double whammy.
You work hard at the clarinet - can you play at the standard you want to be at and should be at? Do you play worse than everyone else? And what kind of band is it? Unless it's a pro or semipro band why is anyone getting bent out of shape?
If it's a community band e.g., surely the object is to have fun and to learn, not to cut each other at every opportunity.
However never forget that there are some people out there who are just mean - and mean people suck. There's not much you can do except not let them bring you to their own unhappy level. As I recall you're in Oz - does the local culture suggest a way to resolve this to your satisfaction?
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Author: bmcgar ★2017
Date: 2010-05-30 01:24
Albert Ellis. "New Guide to Rational Living." NY: Albert Ellis Institute
B
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-05-30 01:33
If the critiques are coming to you in a friendly way, and are intended to help you improve your playing, listen to what the people have to say.
On the other hand, if the criticism is not constructive, ignore it.
Even in a community band, there are often minimum playing standards. It sounds yto me like you are trying to get better, what witht he amount of time you spend witht he clarinet.
If the person criticizing you is honestly trying to help you, ask him or her to assist you in learning the proper way to do it. If the person is mainly mean-spirited, pay no attention to the person.
Jeff
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2010-05-30 01:52
What sort of criticism?
Over the past handful of years, I've gotten to the point where I'm comfortable acknowledging to myself when I botch a passage or am not terribly good at something. Learning to let it slide, to be able to agree with someone when they said you played it badly, or disagree with them without letting it get to you, is a hugely valuable skill.
Being self-critical, by looking at and realizing what you can improve on, makes it a lot less personal when someone offers criticism, because it's something you already know and, hopefully, have a plan of action for (even if that plan of action is to ask a teacher or colleague for a plan of action).
In essence, when criticism comes, I like to aim for one of 3 ideal outcomes:
1) if you were not aware of the possibility, make a mental (or physical) note of it and investigate, or fix immediately if you know how.
2) if you were aware of it and have confirmed that it's the case, nod a "working on it" in agreement
3) if you have eliminated the possibility, from your perspective, that the criticism is valid, respond with a confused look of "are you sure?" During a break (or right away if appropriate), ask for clarification and/or demonstration. This may lead to identifying a new problem in your playing, or one in theirs, or may lead to the dreaded impasse of "artistic differences." In any case, that particular criticism will be put to rest for the time being.
Even if you think the critic is wrong, if they have a suggestion, try it. You may be surprised. Or they may be surprised.
Responding "no I'm not" or ignoring the criticism's potential for validity leads to a downward spiral of hurt and repeat criticism. Treat this like a fact-finding mission, not an affront to your person.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2010-05-30 13:45
This is a massive issue in all walks of life. Criticism rubs people up the wrong way.
One thing to do is to try and engage the criticiser in a reasoned discussion of the issue. Sometimes this can be difficult, but it is often worth it for both parties. For example, you can ask for clarification with a 'Do you mean...?'. There are other approaches.
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Author: kdk
Date: 2010-05-30 14:07
You don't say what the criticism is. The most appropriate overall reaction to the criticism might depend on what it's about. Is something in your playing attracting a lot of negative attention? Too loud, too aggressive, inaccurate rhythm? Does it center on more subtle musical issues - blend? Articulating with the section? Do the complaints have a personal edge that could be a reaction to some behavior you may not be conscious of? Many of these things don't necessarily become obvious during individual practicing. Is the criticism coming from one person in your section, many other players or is it coming from the conductor? Is it generally directed at your section but you take it personally?
Constructive criticism can be a useful tool, whether it comes from someone else or from ourselves. It's essentially what a good teacher does. You can learn from constructively offered criticism if you find that it really addresses some area of your playing that needs improvement. Criticism that is meant simply to establish someone else's superiority (real or not) is more about the other person than about your playing and can be politely ignored if it doesn't address an actual weakness in your own playing.
The key is that you need to be self-aware and self-critical enough to know when someone has pointed to an area that you could improve. So listen to the criticism and evaluate it, and if it points to a possibility of real improvement, pursue it in a positive way.
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Author: salzo
Date: 2010-05-30 14:35
One thing I have realized, is classical musicians are crabby, nasty people who often because of their own insecurities, find it necessary to criticize, and whenever listening to someone else, carry a pistol of hostility ready to shoot anyone else down. Not all, but most of them. It seems when listening to anyone else, their programed to listen for "what is wrong" with whatever they are listening to.
I take criticism, and praise, on the same level-it is irrelevant. As long as I am happy with how I am playing, that is all that matters.
With my students, I tell them the most important opinion about their playing is theirs, and then mine. Conductors, school teachers, peers-listen to what they say, but discuss it with me.
I had one student who played a master class with some clarinet professor at a local college. He ripped her to pieces. Not because of how she played, he didnt say anything about that- he ripped her for playing double lip, because she used a knife instead of rush to work on reeds, how she "breaks in" her reeds, etc. She was very upset. I asked her why he had a problem playing double lip? He said because it makes you bite into your lip. "Do you bite your lip when you play?"
"No."
"Than dont worry about it."
"What is wrong with using a knife?"
"He said it gouges the reed."
"Do you gouge your reeds?"
"No".
Than dont worry about it"
"What did he say about your PLAYING?"
"Nothing."
A LOT of clarinetist are programmed to believe that the only way to do something, is the way their teacher did it, and the way that they do it. Any other way cant possibly work, because, well, they do not do it that way, and their teacher said not to do it that way.
I dont care how someone does something, all that matters is what it sounds like.
To quote Ben Armato: "Why do clarinetist believe everything except their ears?"
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2010-05-30 17:11
The constructive criticism I remember and act upon is the specific advice directed at a specific problem. "That sucks" is not constructive. It's insulting without being useful. "You'll get fewer squeaks if you try putting less of the mouthpiece in your mouth" is constructive and useful. But the worst, most useless criticism I got was the "Oh, that's nice, honey" reaction. I heard that sort of thing as, "You're so worthless that trying to help you would waste my time." I'd rather hear something blunt and harsh than faint praise.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2010-05-30 23:43
There's not a lot to add to what has been suggested, but the important thing is to analyse the criticism. Is it specific or general? Is it aimed at you personally? Is it aimed at how you play, or how well you play? Is it aimed at how well you are playing compared with other players of around the same experience? Is your performance such as to justify the criticism? Is this criticism of your music or is it personal? Above all, is the criticism coming from someone who is genuinely trying to help you?
You need to step back a bit, consider the nature of the criticism and whether or not it is justified. What you then do about it is up to you. An open approach to the person offering the criticism might be the best way to go, but only you can decide. Is it possible that the criticism is justified and you are being a bit too thin-skinned about it? Are you confusing criticism with advice?
Tony F.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-05-31 00:35
It actually bugs the hell out of me when someone gives their opinion and you didn't ask for it, but you sometimes have to adjust, rethink the situation.
Recently a symphony player in a major orchestra, keeping him nameless, told me the oboe player said he was out of tune on some of the notes. He asked me to see if I could adjust the mouthpiece, so after careful study I rebored the bore. I also fine tuned his barrel, and undercut 2 keys holes. Anyway, he was a bit angry about being told about playing out of tune and his first reaction was it was the oboe player that was out of tune. Once he settled down and did some testing, it was actually his "A" clarinet.
Long story short even the pros need to take advice as well.
Sometimes people can be mean and you have to put them in their place. Most likely you are very aware when people are being evil or actually trying to help. In the music bizz sometimes you have to develop a hard outer shell and ignore them.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: RoBass
Date: 2010-05-31 08:13
I've heard a very wise word from an older man, as I was in aim crisis (during my study): "Every kind of criticique contains at least 50% truth."
This piece of truth you should look for, and it's my "reason" to accept criticism and ask for especially sometimes.
If criticism is mentioned helpful, it will help. If it's only planned to drop you, then forget about ;-) The "other side" isn't worth to remember...
kindly
Roman
PS: Ask yourself, why you're playing an instrument - for you or for the other's pleasure? Play it for you only, then you'll get succeess with!
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Author: Rusty
Date: 2010-06-01 07:09
Well I thank you all for the time you went to in helping me. The details of the criticism now are not important just how to cope with it is.
bmcgar I ve arranged to get the book you suggested and another one from Albert Ellis.
Roman that statement is a winner "Ask yourself why you are playing an instrument ...."
I`m surprised that these critical conductors don`t realize that it is so important to blend equal amounts of encouragement with criticism. Caustic criticism alone is not only hurtful it is destructive and can cause the fence sitters to say "blow this it`s all too hard."
From my experience I hope my skin has got tougher and I`m reminded that there are so many kind helpful people in Internet forums willing to help.
Thanks all, Rusty
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