 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anonymous
Date: 2001-10-31 06:47
What qualities should a good college level clarinet teacher have? If this teacher is not a good match with a student in terms of, say, personality is it worthwhile to switch teachers if the opportunity arises? Just wondering if anyone else is in this situation (or has been).
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Author: Sue
Date: 2001-10-31 08:08
Teachers have many different personalities, as they are all human, and you should find one to suit you.
It's difficult to say what qualities they should have, but obviously must be friendly, patient, but expect work from you. Some teachers want excellent pupils and push hard, whereas others teach to a more relaxed regime.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2001-10-31 15:25
Hi, Anonymous
Good to hear from you again.
Allow me to answer "Yes" to all of the above. I totally agree with Sue. If you and the teacher are not a good match, by all means if at all possible... switch. A 'good' teacher will recognize that all personalities are not always the most compatible and certainly will not be offended. Some may even recommend another teacher more suited to you.
Have I been in this situation? Yes.
Keep on tootin' :]
- ron b -
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2001-10-31 15:35
Anon. -
There's no single attribute of a good teacher, other than that he/she produces students no two of whom play or sound alike, but all of whom play well.
It's easy to let personal feelings get in the way of learning, especially in an intense one-on-one relationship like private study. If you find yourself out of sympathy with your teacher, you're free to change, but first, listen to and talk with other students, especially those who have graduated and are making a living as players. A year's distance can change the perspective a lot.
You will be working with difficult people all your life. Part of any job is getting the best out of these people and learning as much as you can from them. Any college teacher will know more than you do about at least some things, and any college teacher is in a position to do you favors, getting you into the good ensembles (or keeping you out) and putting in a good word for you in the job market (or torpedoing your chances).
At your next lesson, come in extra-super prepared. Find some opportunity to compliment the teacher (even if you have to grit your teeth to do it). When you get to a solo piece, say "Tell me about the first time you played it." or "What did your own teacher tell you?" or "Whose recording of this do you like best?" or "Do you have a tape of yourself playing it? I'd like to hear it."
You can turn this liability into an asset. There's never a better time to learn how. It may not be pleasant, at first, but it's necessary.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ed
Date: 2001-10-31 16:18
You may wish to discuss some problems with the teacher. Make sure you are on the same wavelength.
When you find a teacher that you click with it is great. It can be a truly special and unique relationship. Someone once described this to me as "It is like finding a wife" (or husband)
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2001-11-01 00:25
I'd listen to Ken. There are all types of people. Get what you can out of this teacher. He/she didn't get where he/she is for no reason! Ken has given some good ideas, even if you do have to "grit your teeth". Do it.
Good luck in all things.
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2001-11-01 09:14
Perhaps the most important universal attribute for a teacher is to have infectious passion for his/her field. In the long termn that may be even more important than technical expertise. With passion the student has a drive that can take her/him anywhere.
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Author: allencole
Date: 2001-11-04 22:38
Listen to Ken. How many clarinet instructors does your college have? I would think that most would have only one. That means that you'd have to change colleges in order to change teachers. I was never on wavelength with my college teacher, but he was a good guy and taught me plenty.
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