The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Anonymous
Date: 2002-09-09 21:02
Will professionals or university professors teach beginners or no? I'm sure there's some variation, but just curious.
Thanks
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2002-09-09 21:11
My teacher does, even though I don't know much.
I think they like to see effort as much as talent.
Why not ask? You may be pleasantly surprised.
Just avoid the profs from St. Louis, they're touchy.
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-09-09 22:22
I know of many professionals who take on beginners, some with better success than others. Keep in mind that being a pro clarinetists doesn't make the person a good teacher. You must be able to evaluate the students ability and then be able to get the message to the students as to what he or she must do and How to do it. It ain't easy sometimes. Some teachers are far better at this than others.
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-09-09 23:07
I took some lessons from a 'pro'. He was the principal clarinetist of the local philharmonic, a jr. high band director and math teacher and an active dance band/combo player with all the degrees and credentials one needs to be a good teacher -- and he was good at it. He just didn't have the time for beginners as he was much in demand. Some of his students, including yours truly, coached beginners to intermediate level and he would take them from there. The main thing he was looking for, besides ability to play a chromatic scale, was their willingness to put in some effort. Those who didn't had already washed out in the beginning stages. If some filtered through, he just couldn't/wouldn't waste time, or parents money, on those who couldn't/wouldn't practice. He was a very patient person, however. A week or two of non-practice usually earned a student a warning. Beyond that came an ultimatum; practice or quit. After that, if the student (and/or parent) still had not understood the requirements, they were politely shown the exit. That final lesson was free.
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Author: james
Date: 2002-09-10 02:06
Honestly... I don't know many professionals in chicago that would take a starting student. Mainly because of the need to teacher the others around that are working their butts off and are at an advanced level. I know for sure a few have thought about it. Can you imagine getting the very best instuction from the very begining.
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Author: Kat
Date: 2002-09-10 02:58
I guess it depends on your definition of "professional" too!
;^)
Katrina
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Author: Mitch A
Date: 2002-09-10 14:11
I lucked out. At 41, I hooked up with a retired musician who toured with Buddy Morrow (Night Train) in the 50's and 60's on fist alto/clar., and every ghost band coming through the area since. Very patient, understanding, and knows EVERYTHING. I'll take a committed pro over a college kid any day.
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Author: Ginny
Date: 2002-09-10 15:25
Of course professional musicians/teachers will take on beginning students. Many make a good part of their living teaching. Any area with some orchestra/opera activity will have a small number of pros who are not the studio instructor at a university or teaching high school band but play in these organizations. Many (if not most) of these pros give lessons.
Its less likely that a university or conservatory teacher or major recording artist will take beginners however. They tend to prefer the advanced student. At least some of them are interested in students who can benefit from their knowledge of interpertation, having some mastery already.
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Author: Just me
Date: 2002-09-15 02:33
You know, it depends on the teacher, how busy they are, how much they need the income. I am a pro and used to take beginners when I needed to supplement my playing income. Now I have many more advanced students and make a good living playing so I simply don't have time to teach beginners. I enjoyed teaching them but not nearly as much as students that can actually play music. I would guess it just depends where you live and who is available. A New York Philharmonic musician probably won't take beginners, and you couldn't afford them anyway. A University teacher in Dolan SD probably will because they may need the income. Many of the best teachers don't have to be pro's just good teachers that are interested in their students. Just me Ginny wrote:
>
> Of course professional musicians/teachers will take on
> beginning students. Many make a good part of their living
> teaching. Any area with some orchestra/opera activity will
> have a small number of pros who are not the studio instructor
> at a university or teaching high school band but play in these
> organizations. Many (if not most) of these pros give lessons.
>
> Its less likely that a university or conservatory teacher or
> major recording artist will take beginners however. They tend
> to prefer the advanced student. At least some of them are
> interested in students who can benefit from their knowledge of
> interpertation, having some mastery already.
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Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2002-09-16 06:11
I think that the line is drawn by the needs of the clientele. Personally, I enjoy starting beginners because I see it as an opportunity to avoid bad habits and build up their personal interest in music. I also work with adults, which are an even more at-risk group.
But let's just say that I have only 20 slots per week. If there are 20 advanced students that need help in my area of specialization, I must consider their needs to be greater than those of the beginners.
I always try to keep in mind those things that I uniquely have to offer, and what things may be unique to some of the other teachers in the area. This way, everyone gets what he/she needs.
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