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Musical Snobbery

February 4, 2015

On Sunday, like a lot of people, I watched the Super Bowl.  I could spend the next few thousand words breaking down the game and trying to answer such questions as:

  1. How many people who criticized the Seahawks for throwing on 2nd and 1 at the 1-yard-line also criticized the decision to run a play with only 6 seconds left in the first half?  They’re both bad decisions…one of them just happened to work.
  2. Why didn’t the Patriots take a Time-out after the 4-yard run to the 1-yard-line at the end of the game?  That was a huge error on the Patriots part that I have not read much about..because of the interception on the next play.
  3. Why did Nationwide have to kill that cute little kid?

But instead I would like to discuss the musical performances of John Legend, Idina Menzel, and Katy Perry.  That’s not exactly right…what I would like to address is the response to their performances.

On the morning of the Super Bowl, I woke up in Bismarck, North Dakota, having just finished a terrific 3 days as part of the U. Mary Jazz Festival.  Five of us from the festival were on the same 6:30 a.m. flight.  As we were discussing the game, one of my colleagues brought up the singing of the national anthem by Ms. Menzel and the halftime show by Ms. Perry.  I said, “If you miss it, all you have to do is hop on Twitter and Facebook as soon as it’s over to read how terrible it was.”  And we all laughed.

To be clear, I’m not going to discuss Sunday’s performances.  Today’s topic is about how people, especially musicians, react to such performances.

As I checked Facebook and Twitter after the pre-game performances of Mr. Legend and Ms. Menzel, it was astounding to me how many people were trashing these two relatively short performances.  After halftime I read the same vitriol leveled at Ms. Perry.  This got me thinking:

Exactly what is this kind of criticism supposed to accomplish?

Don’t get me wrong- I’m all for blowing off some steam, and I’ve never been accused of lacking strong opinions.  But as social media has become more prevalent, I’ve watched classical and jazz musicians go out of their way to attack musicians in the Pop world for…well…apparently- being successful.

And here’s why it’s a problem:

Trashing these performances only alienates you from your potential audience.

Regularly there are discussions among musicians about why audiences are so small, especially for classical and jazz performances.  We are constantly amazed that the rest of the world has not figured out how great we are.  Then, when presented with music that the rest of the world actually listens to, we lash out.

These kinds of reactions make us look:

  1. Jealous- We’ve never played sold out stadiums, or sold millions of records.
  2. Out of touch- We have no idea what music people are listening to.
  3. Bitter- We should be much better known.

So…what should we do?

  1. Stop telling people they are stupid for liking what they like.  Generally, when someone is told they have bad taste, he/she will get defensive.  Now you’ve created a barrier between you and that person that will be difficult to negotiate.
  2. Show people what you like, and why.  I’m a big believer in education.  If you know someone likes Performer X (that you don’t find particularly appealing), you can share Performer Y with them (as you believe Performer Y has much more to offer) and explain why you like Performer Y so much, and what you think the differences are.
  3. Remain open-minded.  It’s too easy to say that “everything is terrible.”  With an open mind, you just might find some Pop music that you like.  Listen with your ears, not your eyes.

Every generation seems to tell the next one, “Our music was great, and yours is terrible.”  And it’s never true.  There is always plenty of good and bad to go around.

Should we want audiences to grow for what we believe to be good, it’s important to engage in conversations about what people like and why.  With that information, I think we can expand some musical horizons, and do everyone some good.

With that in mind, watch the Grammy Awards this Sunday.  Usually the show is full of performances, many by people you may not have heard of.  Watch with an open mind.  This is the music millions of people are listening to.  It’s worth learning about.

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments »

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Radical Moderatism

January 29, 2015

I’ve heard all of these:

“Play the biggest mouthpiece you can.”

“Play the smallest mouthpiece you can.”

“If you’re not in New York or LA, you’re not really doing it.”

“New York and Los Angeles suck.”

“Play one mouthpiece for everything.”

“Switch mouthpieces for each situation.”

“You must choose between playing classical and jazz.”

“You have to be able to play everything.”

And my favorite:

“Player X is the best in the world.”

“Player X is terrible.”

We seem to exist in a world of extremes.  In most situations the extreme answer being the most viable solution is rare.  Much like our current political climate, as soon as a discussion begins people must choose one of two sides which are often pushed to an extreme.  So in my continued effort to get the online world to be more representative of the real world, I am starting a new movement- Radical Moderatism.  That’s right, should you join me we will do our best to investigate what questions we want answered, and come to a reasonable solution.  Let’s start with the five polarizing statements above.

1)  Largest vs. Smallest mouthpiece:  It’s an argument as old as time.  You want to play more orchestral literature?  Unless you’re some kind of lightweight that can’t handle it, you need the Macho Mahler 5000.  The rim is slightly larger than a tenor trombone mouthpiece, and the throat is big enough drop a golf ball through.  You want to play lead?  You must get the Double C Express.  The rim is just smaller than a French horn mouthpiece, and the cup is a bit shallower than a contact lens.  It’s the rare player that gets optimal results from an extreme approach.  The best answer is usually somewhere in the middle.  When looking for equipment it’s important to find the balance between the best results coming out of the horn with the right amount of work going into the horn.

2)  If you haven’t made it in a big city, you haven’t made it.  Another worthless statement.  There are great players all over the world.  The difference in the big cities is that there are usually more great players and more live music.  But here’s something I don’t hear talked about a lot.  There are also more bad players in big cities precisely because they’re big.  So being in a big city doesn’t say anything about one’s playing.  Not being in a big city doesn’t mean anything about one’s level of play either.

3)  One mouthpiece vs. switching.  This is one of the dumbest arguments in the trumpet world.  Like most useless arguments, there is no right answer here.  There are world class players on both sides.  The problem is how adamant both sides are about being right.  Here’s my advice- if you’re going to regularly use more than one mouthpiece, you should practice on it every day.  The most common problem I see people have when switching mouthpieces is that they are much more comfortable on one, as it is their main piece.  So whatever they switch to is not nearly as comfortable, which usually results in (at least) sound and tuning problems.

4)  Narrow vs. broad focus.  This is the one that bothers me the most.  There are great and terrible players on both sides of this fence.  It’s amazing to me that, because one player has been successful doing one thing at a high level, that an assumption is made that the only way to reach that level is to do only that one thing. Should you wish to pursue a career doing one thing, that doesn’t mean others cannot reach the same high level while pursuing a career with more variety.

5) Great vs. Terrible. I’ve heard this argument several times- always involving professional players. Just because you are not a fan of a certain player does not mean that person can’t play. And just because you are a fan doesn’t make that player great.

Too often, having a discussion with someone that disagrees with you pulls both of you to extremes. It’s time to recognize that the truth usually exists somewhere in the middle. Let’s meet there.

Posted in General, Trumpet, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

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The Power of I Don’t Know

January 19, 2015

Regularly, new students will ask me, “Am I playing the right mouthpiece?”  My answer is usually, “I don’t know.”  This answer often surprises them.  I explain that because we are just starting to work together, I’m still learning their strengths and weaknesses, and planning how to address them.  That might include equipment.  It might not.

I don’t know.

It’s important to be aware when “I don’t know” is the best answer.

In college football we’ve been told all year that the SEC is the best conference and that the Big 10 is not very good.  In the bowl games this year, the Big 10 went 3-1 against the SEC.  So which is the better conference?

I don’t know.

We’re given long term weather forecasts daily.  You can open the weather app on your phone and get one right now.  I’ve done this a number of times when planning travel.  It’s astounding how often and wrong the forecast can be.  Why?  Because even with the best information we have today, predicting the weather is not an accurate science.  So what’s the weather going to be like in 10 days?

I don’t know.

Although sports and long term weather forecasts are trivial when compared to teaching, they provide excellent examples of how reticent people can be to admit how much they don’t know.  As someone who has (rightly) been accused of being a know-it-all, I hope I can help you learn this lesson.  When put in a position of leadership, it can be easy to feel the responsibility for knowing..well…everything.  Should you take on that impossible responsibility, you can quickly alienate those around you that could help because they know things you do not.  You can also lose the trust of those you lead.

Here’s my message for you this week:  I don’t know can be the best answer you give.

Teachers can have a hard time admitting there are things they don’t know.

Students can have a hard time not getting an immediate answer to a question.

Teachers- Please be honest with your students, which includes admitting what you don’t know.

Students- Be respectful to your teachers.  Realize they are real people that can’t be expected to know everything.

Posted in General, Sports, Trumpet | Tagged | 3 Comments »

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Level of Expectation

January 7, 2015

Here’s one of my least favorite phrases:

Good enough

What that means to me is that it’s not as good as could be, and that it’s okay to settle for less than an optimal result.  I’m not okay with either thought.

Level of expectation can be a difficult topic of discussion, as everyone is in a different place.  So I will try to be as clear as possible.  There are many times when I’ve witnessed players of all levels finish a performance and say something like:

“…but that’s not how I play.”

Here’s the truth:

That is how you play.

If you’re unhappy with your level of performance, it’s likely that you should be unhappy with your preparation.

Too often, people dutifully spend time in the practice room hacking away until it’s time to be done for the day.  When a performance comes around, they think the mindless practice (“But I practiced 2 hours a day every day this week!”) will magically transform into a higher level of performance.  That’s not how it works.

If you truly want to raise your level of performance, it starts with how you are practicing.  Here are some guidelines to help you get started:

  • Before you start practicing, have a idea of what that session will accomplish.
    • It could be as simple as figuring out where you’re going to breathe, or increasing the tempo by 5 beats per minute on a particular piece or passage.
  • When you have accomplished what you set out to do, move on.
    • If you finish quickly, set another goal and continue.
    • If it takes a while, then it’s time for a break.
  • Practice performing.
    • If the performance is the first time you’ve played that piece all the way through without stopping, you have not set yourself up for success.
  • The quality of your practice, not the quantity, is the most important aspect.

Now comes the hard part.  You’re practicing dutifully, holding yourself accountable, and making real progress in the practice room.  The next performance comes around, and you’re still not happy.  That’s okay.  Take each performance you get as a check-up on how you’re doing.  Be honest with yourself about what’s getting better and what needs work.  Then get back in the practice room.  Repeat this…forever.  If you do it right, you’ll get better and better while still realizing there will always be reasons to practice, and the process of learning and musical growth is neverending.

And you’ll know what I tell my students on a regular basis:

Good enough…isn’t.

 

 

 

Posted in General, Trumpet | Tagged , , | 3 Comments »

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The Christmas Lecture

December 19, 2014

It’s the end of the year.  For those of us that live on an academic calendar that means a couple of weeks off.  While breaks can be needed, and even important, there is a danger involved.  And that leads to something I give to each student every year: The Christmas Lecture.

Usually a break starts with the best of intentions:

  • “Without classes I’ll have so much time to practice.”
  • “Over break I’m going to get so much done.”
  • “Now that the semester is over, I can really be productive.”

But what happens is something like this:

Day 1

Well, school just got out, so taking one day off isn’t so bad.  Tomorrow I’ll get started.

Day 2

Hey, my friends just called, and we haven’t been able to spend much time together…I’ll get started tomorrow.

Day 3

My family has plans today so I probably won’t have time to practice.

Day 4

Okay, time to get back into it…right after breakfast.  Wait, I haven’t seen “The Price is Right” in years.  Drew Carey is no Bob Barker.  Hmm…there is some shopping I need to get done.  Okay then- shopping, then it’s definitely practice time.  Hey, I ran into friends at the mall.  We’re going to go see a movie.  I’ll practice first thing in the morning.

Day 5

Wow- did I really sleep until 11:00?  Let’s give Drew Carey another shot.  Nope- it’s just not the same.  Now where is my horn?  Oh, today we’re going to visit Great Aunt Ida.  She’s 112.  I’ve been hearing my whole life that I need to go, and be nice, because it just might be her last Christmas.

_______

Does any of that sound familiar?

Sometimes the break can be the hardest time to practice because you’re out of your normal schedule.  Taking a day off here and there can actually be a good idea.  That’s not what I’m talking about here.  I’m talking about one day turning into a week or more.  I want you to have an enjoyable break.  I also want you to come back to school energized, excited, and looking forward to whatever is coming next.  And I definitely want you to practice.  So here’s what you do:

Practice first thing in the morning

If you’ll set aside some time when you get up to practice, then the rest of the day is yours.  Have a great time with your friends and family while still getting some real practice time in.

Have a great break.  Enjoy the time you get to spend with your friends and family.

And practice.

Posted in General, Trumpet | Tagged , | 3 Comments »

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An Open Letter to Internet Stupidity

December 2, 2014

Recently I read an astounding thread on Facebook.  It all started with someone offering a range and endurance course…for women.  Predictably, the comment section got quite ugly.  The person offering the course wrote some of the worst comments, which only generated more backlash.  And that is the shame of it all.

First, let’s make this very clear.  One’s gender is not an advantage in playing a brass instrument.  There is no argument here.  There is no discussion needed.  If someone tells you the sun is cold, you wouldn’t take them seriously.  So let’s stop engaging in non-arguments.  You can’t argue with stupid.

If you read my post “You’re Not Always Entitled to Your Opinion” you know that I want to make online communities more representative of the real world.  The person offering the course seems to exist solely on the internet.  He advertises himself as a professional trumpet player and teacher.  So let’s ask a reasonable question:

Is he a professional player?

There are lots of ways we could define professional, but I’ll choose something simple with which I believe we can all agree:

To be a professional, one must be employed in that profession.

As musicians often like to compare themselves to athletes, imagine trying to call yourself a professional basketball player because you can dunk, but have never held a position on any professional team.  No one would consider you a professional basketball player.

The person who is advertising his course believes, “Playing the written high note solo is the most difficult endeavor on any brass instrument.”  He has consistently referenced Maynard Ferguson and Bill Chase-two spectacular trumpet players who spent a lot of time playing in the upper register.  They both led their own bands, recording and touring successfully.  Our alleged professional also leads his own band, in which he plays a lot of high notes, although I don’t know how much touring they’ve done, and, to my knowledge they have yet to release a commercial recording.  But that’s where the very scarce similarities end.  Before leading his own band, Maynard played with both Charlie Barnet’s and Stan Kenton’s bands.  Before going out on his own, Bill played lead for both Maynard and Woody Herman.  In other words, they were established professionals.  The only professional experience I’ve seen this person espouse is playing summers at Kings Island.  In the early 90’s.  I’ve been to his website to see if there are any professional credentials listed, and there are none.

With the evidence we have, it is clear that we cannot consider him a professional.  And that brings me to this:

Why is anyone engaging in a discussion with a rude amateur about anything?

This is the worst part of the internet.  Because he has put up a website, and has been loud enough for long enough, people treat him as if he actually has something to say.  And by engaging him, you make him more empowered.  Imagine dealing with a 3-year-old that keeps asking for a cookie.  After you’ve said no the child asks again and again…and again.  So you relent and give the kid a cookie.  What have you taught the child?  That badgering works.

So here’s my advice:  Stop engaging.  Let him write and say whatever he likes.  He holds no place in the trumpet world.  There is no good that comes from communicating with him.

Instead, let’s focus on the great playing and teaching that is going on all over the place.  I always enjoy seeing who’s doing what and poking fun at my trumpet playing colleagues online.  It’s the best part of the internet.

Posted in General, Trumpet | Tagged | 59 Comments »

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The Case for Thanksgiving

November 20, 2014

Thank you to all that read, shared, and/or commented on last week’s entry.  This week I will confront a topic much more divisive.  As you can see by the title, I believe Thanksgiving to be the best holiday of the year.  Let’s take a look at the contenders.  They will be ranked by my completely made up system, which takes into account 3 factors:

  1. Intent
  2. Actual practice
  3. Effect on musicians

So without further ado (has anyone ever complained about previous ado?), here are the contenders:

New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day- December 31/January 1

  1. Celebrate the end/beginning of the year.  A great idea for a party. (9)
  2. A drunken mass of humanity trying way too hard to have the Best. Party. Ever. followed by a day of recovery spent passed out in front of the TV.  (2)
  3. Although New Year’s Eve used to be a big payday, working while everyone else is partying can be a drag.  (5)

Total- 16 points

Valentine’s Day- February 14

  1. Spend time with your significant other and show them how much they mean to you. A lovely way to spend a day. (7)
  2. If you’re in a relationship, knowing exactly what to do (are flowers enough?…dinner…jewelry?) can be stressful.  If you’re single, it can be a reminder that you’ll never meet anyone ever again and die alone in a cramped studio apartment surrounded by your 12 cats. (1)
  3. If Valentine’s Day happens on a weekend, and you take a gig, that can be construed as abandoning your loved one on the most romantic day of the year. (1)

Total- 9 points

St. Patrick’s Day- March 17

  1. Celebrate Irish heritage and remember one of Ireland’s patron saints. Well, if your family comes from Ireland this could be big, but if not…(4)
  2. Large groups of people dressed in green drinking way too much. (1)
  3. Again, if St. Patrick’s Day falls on a weekend, there might be some work, but this is not a big deal.  (8)

Total- 13 points

Easter- Spring

  1. A Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  For non-Christians, a Sunday in Spring signifying the end of the Cadbury Creme Egg season.  Religious holidays are tough to score, as they hold wildly different places for the religious and non-religious. (6)
  2. For Christians: going to church, family dinner (traditionally ham or lamb, but can vary), children searching for hidden eggs (that could be hard-boiled and/or plastic filled with treats).  For non-Christians, hoarding the last remaining Cadbury Creme Eggs. (9)
  3. This is a busy holiday for musicians, especially trumpet players.  This means getting up very early on a Sunday morning.  It also means playing the Hallelujah Chorus, which involves trying to match pitch with the church choir sopranos. (3)

Total- 18 points

Memorial Day- May

  1. An American holiday to remember those that died in service to the United States of America. Although a wonderful idea, not exactly something you would normally plan a party around. (5)
  2. A 3-day weekend that unofficially starts summer that includes BBQ and hanging out with friends. (9)
  3. This is not a typical workday for musicians, although trumpet players may be asked to play Taps at Memorial Services. (9)

Total- 23 points

Independence Day- July 4

  1. An American holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. A birthday party for an entire country?  Now that’s a great idea for a party. (10)
  2. A day of parades, picnics, and fireworks.  These all seem like good ideas until you’re actually there.  Parades, as a participant, mean marching/walking a long way in the heat.  If you’re watching, it means standing in one place watching people march/walk past you in the heat.  Picnics in July?!  Why would anyone choose to eat outside in the middle of summer?  This is why we invented air conditioning.  And fireworks?  If you’re setting them off yourself, you’re tempting fate and hopefully have the nearest Emergency Room already pulled up on Google Maps.  If you’re watching a professional show, you’re likely in a large crowd that will all be trying to get out the one-lane exit as soon as it’s over.  (1)
  3. Fourth of July concerts are usually outside, which can be miserable.  The musician is likely trying to get home at the same time as the audience from Point 2. (1)

Total- 12 points

Labor Day- September

  1. A day to honor labor associations and the workers. Again, it is important to remember and value what the workers and labor organizations have done for this country, but it’s not the most festive backdrop for a celebration. (5)
  2. A 3-day weekend that signifies the unofficial end of summer.  Much like Memorial Day and Independence Day, there are parades, picnics, and grilling.  As you know how I feel about the first two, let’s examine the idea of cooking outside in the summer.  This is generally thought of as a great idea.  Why?  I have no idea.  The last thing I want to do in the heat of summer is stand outside next to a fire.  (7)
  3. Aside from an occasional parade, there aren’t really a lot of Labor Day gigs. (7)

Total- 19 points

Halloween- October 31

  1. Staying modern (no, I’m not going back to the Celtic holiday of Samhain), Halloween is about dressing up in costume.  For children it also includes going door-to-door and getting candy.  A giant costume party and candy?  That’s a party. (9)
  2. Costumes and candy.  The big problems with Halloween are when it falls on a weeknight and/or the weather is bad.  No kid should learn walking door-to-door and opening a coat is a way to get candy.  (7)
  3. Much like St. Patrick’s Day, there might be some work if Halloween falls on a weekend, but it’s not really a holiday that employs musicians. (8)

Total- 24 points

Thanksgiving- November

  1. To give thanks for the previous year’s harvest (no, we’re not getting into the history of what happened to the Native Americans starting in the 1600’s…we’re talking intent).  A day off to say thanks for the food growing is a terrific idea. (10)
  2. Stay home, hang out with friends and family, and eat.  This is all I want to do most of the time.  Making a holiday out of it is genius. (10)
  3. This is almost always a day off for musicians (unless you’re in the Macy’s Day parade).  (9)

Total-29 points

Christmas- December 25

  1. For the Christians- celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.  For the non-Christians it is a season of shopping, seasonal music, and gift giving.  Again, scoring the religious holidays can be difficult, but a birthday is always a good idea for a party. (9)
  2. For the Christians- going to church, family dinner, usually gift giving.  For the non-Christians-a shopping season that has extended backwards into Thanksgiving Day (with Christmas decorations being sold earlier and earlier each year). Plenty has already been written on the commercialization of Christmas.  No other holiday comes close to taking the amount of time Christmas does.  Before your gravy has cooled off from Thanksgiving dinner, stores are open for your Christmas shopping.  Radio stations start playing Christmas music 24 hours a day.  There’s no avoiding it.  It’s brutal. (3)
  3. This can be a busy holiday season for a musician.  Once Thanksgiving is over, there are Christmas concerts, Nutcrackers, Holiday Pageants, and church services all the way through Christmas Day. (3)

Total- 15 points

Although it was difficult to leave out Arbor Day (yea trees!), Groundhog Day (go Punxsutawney Phil!), and Presidents’ Day (woo-hoo, mattress sales!), I had to draw the line somewhere.

As you can see, it’s clear that Thanksgiving is the best holiday.

I hope you enjoy yours.

 

Posted in General | Tagged , | 7 Comments »

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You’re Not Always Entitled to Your Opinion

November 12, 2014

Recently Chris Botti played the national anthem for a Monday Night Football game.  By the time I was in my office Tuesday morning, trumpet players had spent a considerable amount of time online discussing Mr. Botti’s performance.  This can be the best part of the internet- players of all levels able to communicate, from all over the world, with each other.  Unfortunately what actually happens way too often is the discussion sinks to the lowest possible level, usually driven by people posting anonymously.  Inevitably lines are drawn and sides are taken- “he’s great” vs. “he’s terrible”, “you can’t do it so you can’t criticize” vs. “I’m as good as he is”, and my all time favorite:

I’m entitled to my opinion

No.  You’re not.  Not always.

Sure, you’re entitled to your opinion on what is the best ice cream flavor.  You’re even entitled to your opinion on which is the best holiday (it’s Thanksgiving…more on that later).

But if you’re saying that Mr. Botti is not any good, you’re not entitled to that opinion, because you’re just wrong.  I’m not saying you have to run out and buy his recordings, or go see him in concert the next time he’s in your town.  What I’m saying is this:

Chris Botti is a professional trumpet player and musician who performs at a professional level

Now you might be asking:

Joey, what gives you the right to write this?

I’m glad you asked.  Because I’m an expert in this area.

The internet has provided access to millions of people.  But just because you have access does not mean you have expertise.

What I see happening online is disturbing.  There are people posting so often that their voices are heard more, and they are therefore treated as experts.  But a lot of these people have no standing in the real world.  Recently, I read as the Associate Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Third Trumpet of the New York Metropolitan Orchestra were, separately, berated online for offering their opinions on some trumpet related matters.  I’d like to say that I was amazed, but considering what I’ve read in the past few years online, I was just sad.

You might be asking:

Well, what can we do about it?

I’m so glad you asked.  You are full of good questions today.

We need to make the online community more representative of the real world.

Here’s what I mean by that.  Let’s say you have a trumpet related question.

-In the real world, if you’re in school, you would probably ask your teacher and some of your classmates.  If you’re not in school, you might ask your colleagues and other people you trust.  When given responses, you would likely thank them, even if you didn’t fully agree with what they said, as I know you to be nothing if not polite and gracious.  It’s also likely that you would give more weight to the answers from your teachers and colleagues for whom you have respect.

-Online, you might post your question on a message board or forum.  When a professional offers a response, it might be a good idea to thank them and try out their advice.  When another person replies telling the professionals that they have no idea what they’re talking about, I’d like to see the online community ignore them.

I am in no way saying that all professionals agree on all matters, or that you can’t get good information from other sources.

What I am saying is, if we want the online community to operate at its highest possible level:

  1. Listen to the experts who take the time to offer advice.
  2. Ignore the people that seem focused on tearing down, rather than building up.
  3. Post as if you’re speaking to a roomful of strangers.

I know we can do better.  Let’s start now.

 

Posted in Trumpet | Tagged | 42 Comments »

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Teachers

September 24, 2014

Finding a teacher can be a difficult process.  And here’s why:

There is no 1-1 correlation between playing and teaching.

Many successful players are also wonderful teachers.  They have spent the time figuring out how to do what they do and are able to explain it well.

There are plenty of successful players who will tell you that you should study with them because they “can do what you are  looking to do, so who better?”  This doesn’t always work out so well.  Just because someone is able to do something does not mean they are able to teach.

Then there are fabulous teachers who did not have a playing career.  They are able to help you grow both technically and musically because they have devoted their life to teaching.

And the most difficult, the bad player and bad teacher.  This seems obvious.  Not able to have a performing career can drive one to teaching, but without an understanding of either creates a failure at both.

So how do you find a great teacher?  Good question.  

If you are young and inexperienced, ask someone you trust.  This could be your band director.  It could be an older student who is playing well.

If you are older and have some experience, go and take a lesson from someone.  With some idea of what you are looking for in a teacher, you can get an idea of how a prospective teacher and you will work by spending one-on-one time with them.

Okay, I’ve found a teacher.  Now what?

Once you’ve found a teacher, listen to them!  If you’re paying this person to help you grow, make sure you’re doing what they say.

Okay, go practice.

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Keep an Open Mind

September 16, 2014

As a new school year begins, it’s important to encourage everyone, especially those starting in new places to keep an open mind.  In my last trumpet lesson before heading off to college, my teacher gave me two pieces of advice.  The first is something I still tell my students at the end of their time at IU:

When you meet with other teachers in the future, they may offer advice that sounds contrary to what you’ve learned from me.  Listen to them.  Give it your best shot.  It could be exactly what you need.  

The second, although informative, was not nearly as useful as a musician.  It was:

Watch out for dancers.  They have ugly feet.  

If you’re going to make the commitment to study one-on-one with someone, you should put your trust in them.  It has been a bit of a surprise to hear from students “that’s not how I do it” or “that’s not how I learned that.”  Usually I’m offering a different approach precisely because how the student does or learned something is giving them problems or limiting their growth.

But this doesn’t apply just to a student/teacher relationship.  It’s very easy for professionals to become set in their ways and reluctant to keep searching for anything that can help.  That search can be for new music, information, approaches, or technology.

This is where the internet is the best, and worst, place to go looking.  YouTube is a great example of this.  There are so many amazing performances that people have shared on YouTube that I would never otherwise been able to see.  But there are also plenty of people that think what we need to see is them holding out the highest note they can squeak on their phone’s camera.

The same goes for message boards and websites.  Although I want to encourage everyone to keep an open mind, that does not mean believing everything you read.  I try my best to keep up with everything that is out there.  The stuff I find that is great I share with my students and friends.  The stuff that is…well…not so great…well, if it’s really funny, I’ll share that too.

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