[TPIN] To teach or not to teach?

[Tim Phillips]

There are a few things to consider that I haven't read in other 
responses yet - or maybe I deleted them and didn't read (like some 
people do with my posts :)....

Teaching for me is an important part of what I do as a musician.  To see 
the satisfaction in someone as they progress is one of the greatest 
thrills in life.  One of the issues you bring up quickly is 
committment.  One of the things Mr. Jacobs was probably the best at in 
the world and finding a basic flaw in a student's playing and doing 
something to fix it immediately.  It was the nature of the beast since a 
lot of people he saw maybe came in only a few times in their lives.  As 
a regular student, that was also how he worked each lesson - at least 
with me.  You find a problem, come up with a plan of action, begin to 
fix it.  This serves many purposes.  First, it precludes the 
"committment" factor since you are able to do something for them - at 
the time - in the moment.  It is up to them to take what you do in the 
lesson and make a lasting change, but you can still do the student some 
good even if it's against their will :)  I have taught many different 
levels of players in my career from beginners (which I admittedly am not 
good with 13 yr old beginners) to adults and even some desperate 
professionals ;).   Currently, I have a retired dentist who is happy to 
plug away slowly and do the most tedious of work.  Personally, I would 
do different things, but this is what he wants - so I work my method 
around what works with the person.   This is important if you want to be 
successful.

There are only a few things you have to know so you can help players who 
are less fortunate than yourself :)  One is "What is a great sound?".  
Help the student define the goal - develop their ears.  This is perhaps 
one of the greatest gifts you can give.  Teach them what to listen for 
in other people's work, and they can then begin to develop a sonic 
expectation for themselves - not to mention the advantages of 
intonation, ensemble, style, etc. it will bring them.  The creation of 
sound is an internal thing - the creation of music in an ensemble is 
external :)   Two is "Know the basics".  Breathing, tonguing, fingers, 
counting, intonation and time.   Most embouchure problems are the direct 
result of poor air usage - and usually the result of poor inspiration 
(inhalation) and the inevitable poor expiration (exhalation).  You can't 
expect for the air to work for you if it's not in your body :).  Most 
people improve immediately with a positive change in the air.  Most 
people improve with time spent with the metronome ON in their practice.

In the end, it is up to the student to do the work.  All you can do is 
provide some guidance and direction for their process and practice.   It 
is one of those things you will learn by doing - and you will make 
mistakes - just like in trumpet playing - but that never stops anyone 
else from trying.  You have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference 
in someone's life.  It sounds like you are a better player than they 
are, so you probably do have things to offer them.  As far as the wrong 
track is concerned, it is laudable that you want to have a hippocratic 
approach.  But to be honest, this business has sooooooo many opinions on 
what works and what doesn't there really is no "right" way other than 
the way that works best for that student.

If you let the sound be the guide - if you fix what's coming out the 
bell as best you can - then you will be a success as a teacher.  All of 
us who teach started somewhere and had your fears and concerns.  I 
seriously doubt that any teacher can say they didn't/don't make mistakes 
in their teaching career (and not be deluding themselves).  Do the most 
good you can and love what you do - if the student is motivated - they 
will love it too and you will share an unbreakable bond for the rest of 
your lives.

Tim Phillips
Trumpet Instructor, Lenoir-Rhyne College
iplatrpt at unifourbrass.org
http://www.unifourbrass.org


Stuart Swain wrote:
> A very good friend has asked me if I'd teach him trumpet. I don't know how
> serious he is, and we haven't discussed the implications yet (such as
> committment), but I said I would think about it because I don't know if I'm
> confident enough that I wouldn't set him on any wrong tracks.
>
> I know a little about pedagogy, but not enough. I don't consider myself a good
> trumpet player by any means, but I could certainly get him started. I expect I
> COULD teach him how to be better than me, but on the other hand I have never
> taught before and realise there's a lot more that I don't know than what I do.
>
> If I was going to undertake this - and yes, this is a little early given I
> haven't had a longer discussion with him yet - I would certainly do some
> research first.
>
> However my question to the list is this -- has anyone else been in this
> situation? What did you do / what can you share?  And does anyone have any
> advice on this? Do / do not do ("...there is no try!" haha)
>
> I won't be offended or insulted if anyone gives me a straight out "Not on your
> nelly mate!" including my teacher on this list... ! :)
>
>
> Cheers,
> Stu
>
>
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