art of teaching
Problem: Teacher Burn Out
15/02/09 03:04 Filed in: Teaching Philosophy
In my previous entry I introduced you to Dr. Bebop. Unfortunately, Dr. Bebop may have been in desperate need of a break or some kind of change. After the passion for teaching has waned—especially if it was originally a transitional career in lieu of that of a performer/recording artist—and you begin to hope that your students cancel, bitterness and resentment begin to set in. Bitterness and resentment are code words for teacher burn out. Read More...
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Problem: Constant Noodling
16/03/09 02:47 Filed in: Teaching Advice
What is it about the guitar that renders the player into a semi-conscious state of executing uncoordinated single-string non-melodies characterized by nauseating tone at irritating volumes? Why do they succumb to this zombie-like state that they fall into and out of where there is no rational communication possible? I imagine that to them I sound like the teacher from the Peanuts as I try to talk them back into reality. Can they hear the unpleasant sounds that are emanating from their instruments? Or, is the delusion of rock stardom so intoxicating that they cannot pull themselves away from noodling without the help of a 12-step program? Read More...
Playing Is Not Practicing
04/05/09 03:11 Filed in: Teaching Advice
I find it interesting that many students don’t understand the difference between practicing and playing; however, I’m astonished when the parents don’t seem to know the difference either. The mother says, “Well, it’s not for lack of picking up the instrument…” While the father says, “He’s got that thing in his hands all of the time…” These are all good things to hear but not quite to the point that I’m trying to make. Which is simply: Practicing is not playing what you already know but, rather, working on the things that you don’t know and, maybe, are not very good at… yet. Read More...
When A Favorite Student Moves On
03/06/09 02:41 Filed in: Teaching
As the summer begins many students go to camp, vacation, etc. or simply take a break from lessons. This is a common occurrence; however, this week one of my students said goodbye not “for now,” but rather “for good.” At first, I was caught by surprise and my initial reaction was sadness. I’m not naive enough to think that students will stay in lessons forever but this is one of those unique situations. Sometimes kids move on and another shows up to fill the void; but, in this case, I’m going to miss this person.
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