At least that's what I've always been taught and have always fully believed in. In life we're always learning, we should always be looking for ways to expand our intellect and being...why not do this with our profession as well?Musicians should respect one another, we all have at least one trait that another person doesn't have, how? Music is filled with emotion, creativity, personality...none of which you can teach, only feel, therefore why would one look down upon another musician? I'm not talking about disliking a complete music jock who thinks they're the best thing since Tuckwell or Brain, those are the performers I'm semi directing this too. Today I saw some VERY unprofessional behavior amongst some fellow horn players. I'm not going to go into to detail, but what makes one think that they're have the right to snicker and smirk behind an educator of almost 40 years? Was just because she was american or a female horn player?
I love to observe how a musician teaches, learn how their own brain ticks and the techniques that has helped them. What makes it even more worthwhile is to watch an educator explain techniques. It's easy to find musicians but I feel VERY difficult to find an educator amongst that world. I've been blessed this go 'round to have Professor Brown, so far he's taught me more than 4 semesters of lessons elsewhere ( but I will say this in fairness..to each their own, so what works for ya works for ya) , but Professor Klock from Umass has her own quarky personality that I absolutely loved. Yes, you may feel as if you're in a kindergarten classroom at times with her eccentric energy, but doesn't that make sense why it works? Shouldn't we feel comfortable while playing?She explained this concept of associating a part with a color. I've heard this before and I've always loved it. I'm a very visual person and colors have always been something that I do categorize things as, but I do understand not everyone has that kind of mind. Nothing wrong with it...just respect the idea.Don't throw obnoxious glares to an idea you haven't tried. I just find it aggravating that there will always be this elitist attitude among amazing players. Yes .....you have an amazing sound...but how will you ever appreciate your art if you're not open to new ideas?Then again I guess it's due to this kind of attitude that gives the rest of us motivation. Or maybe just myself. I've always had this bad habit of wanting to prove myself and trying until there are just no other possibilities.
Who knows why these sentiments occur, but what are your feelings on the musician mentality. Is there a time you've earned the right to be "better than others" or is there always some room for improvement? I seriously wouldn't mind reading these opinions pllleeaase :-)
The answer to your question if there's a time you've earned the right to be "better than others," the answer is a very firm no. At least, not attitude-wise. Sure, there are the great professional players who have mastered the instrument and are virtuosic. Those players tend to be the great teachers as well. One important lesson I learned in undergrad is that a student has no right to look down upon anyone. The thing is that the people with the elitist attitude aren't really enjoying what they're doing as they'll always be in search of people on their "level" and they'll be quite disappointed when they never (or rarely) find it. They make think they're enjoying it, but they aren't truly enjoying it. Just another thought: it is understandable to be frustrated by someone who is not prepared for a rehearsal or something like that, but certainly not understandable to be rude to a visiting professor.
ReplyDeleteYou asked for opinions, there's mine. :)