north bay trumpet studio

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random thoughts on the student/teacher relationship

• No one is a complete "natural" when it comes to the trumpet.
• Everyone can improve their knowledge and skills provided they apply themselves to the right material with an efficient approach.
• The role of the teacher is to guide (using their experience as a teacher and player).
• The role of the teacher is not to entertain or cater (solely) to the desires of the student.
• A lesson environment is one of mutual trust where a student eventually feels comfortable enough to make their own discoveries.
• One purpose of a lesson is to check on progress and introduce new material based on that progress.
• It should be considered a privilege to study music with any teacher privately.
• Immediate gratification is not to be expected when it comes to music or the trumpet.
• Patience is required.
• Attention is required.
• Music begins once mechanical and technical issues have been solved.
• Love of music (and the trumpet) should be the motivation for lessons.
• The student should make a genuine, wholehearted effort to devote time to practice.
• Look for solutions not excuses.
• Be efficient in use of time and in solving problems.
• The answers can usually be found in the practice room.
• The teacher can not be expected to "wave the magic wand" and solve everything for the student.
• The spirit of curiosity and inquiry is always welcome and encouraged.
• The beginning of understanding is the admission "I do not know".
• The role of the teacher is to encourage the student to think for himself (learn to be his own critic and teacher).
• The role of the teacher is to be honest (not to offer false praise).
• The role of the student is not to "second guess" the knowledge and experience of the teacher, but to be "open" to what is offered (realizing a teacher's experience is well beyond their current understanding and viewpoint).
• Results usually come when one gives up wanting (expecting) a direct, immediate result.
• The body usually develops at a slower rate than the mind.
• Expectation and current understanding can be a block to progress.
• The student should make a genuine effort to rise to the demands of the music.
• The role of teacher and student is to listen.
• The role of the teacher is to clear up misconceptions based on his experience.
• The role of the teacher is not to "spoon feed" the student but to challenge him.
• There are no short cuts to good trumpet playing.
• Do not make the assumption the teacher should provide the shortest, easiest way to do things.
• Along with private study goes the assumption that there is consistent practice on the part of the student as well as the sacrifices that are necessary to achieve that on a regular basis.
• The student's ability as a trumpet player rest on the foundation of the fundamentals.