Archived under: Pet Peeves
Pet Peeve: Don’t Attend Concerts
One thing I recall hearing said about my major professor at Indiana University, Michael Hatfield, was that he was a great example of a teacher that really made an effort to support his students by being at concerts. He hardly ever missed anything at IU or at Aspen when I was a student. In terms of my teaching he was my primary mentor (I was his TA for three years at IU) and I have tried to match his example and be at every concert I can. I am not perfect, I have other commitments that sometimes can’t be moved, but I do my best to be there for my students.
That brings me to pet peeve number 4 in my series, students who don’t attend concerts. I know, things do come up, but everywhere I have taught there have been a few students that seem to find it really hard to get to concerts. But you just need to go to them, not only to horn recitals but also large ensemble concerts and guest artist recitals and symphony orchestra concerts. It is really not optional. So while I might rather in a way watch the season premiere of Hell’s Kitchen tomorrow night, I will instead be at the Wind Symphony/Chamber Winds concert to hear the results of the hard work of members of the horn studio.
If you are reading this message probably you are someone this is not a problem for, but do try to hear all the concerts you can, and not just because they are required of you–it will make a positive impact on your playing and teaching.
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