Noodles
256 posts
Aug 15, 2012
6:33 AM
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Do harp instructors really teach?
There has been an explosion of harp instructors lately – particularly with Skype.
The question I’d pose to the group for discussion is this:
What qualifies a good player as being a good teacher?
It seems to me that teaching is a Science, an Art and a Skill. Teaching is more than “show and tell.” Does being a good player alone give one the credentials of putting himself out there as a teacher? Are we giving players who "teach" a pass, simply because they can play a harmonica? I don't know.
Even though it is quite helpful to be able to demonstrate a concept while guiding a student through the formative steps of learning, where does one get a teaching qualification by playing an instrument well?
I was fortunate to have great teachers though out my school years. They had spent a significant number of years learning "how to teach." They were more than a Coach, or Advisor or Consultant. Somehow, I think good teachers do considerably more.
Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2012 6:54 AM
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Rick Davis
611 posts
Aug 15, 2012
7:39 AM
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Ronnie Shellist is a great harp teacher for the reasons you list: He has an education background and knows how to impart wisdom so that it will be learned.
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-Rick Davis
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KingBiscuit
196 posts
Aug 15, 2012
7:46 AM
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I can only vouch for the one's I have dealt with personally. I can tell you that Jimi Lee is both and outstanding player and teacher. R.J. Harmon is also a great player/teacher.
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HarpNinja
2623 posts
Aug 15, 2012
8:05 AM
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As someone with 3 degrees in education responsible for teaching teachers, the vast majority of lessons are direct instruction and suited fo limited learning styles. In most instances, that's ok because that is wht the student wantsor they are otherwise motivated.
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Mike
VHT Special 6 Mods
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas - When it needs to come from the soul...
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Miles Dewar
1387 posts
Aug 15, 2012
10:48 AM
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If information is successfully passed from one organism to another, then they have taught someone something. If they do this on a frequent basis, then they are teachers.
Being a teacher doesn't necessarily require that someone holds a degree in teaching or psychology or whatever you are looking for. If they can reliably pass on information, then they are teachers.
Sometimes teaching IS show and tell. I have learned numerous things this way, as a child and an adult.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1925 posts
Aug 15, 2012
11:33 AM
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Just a opion but I feel that teaching is a calling,Not that a good player couldnt teach,But some people are just better at it,and have a gift for it.But like I said its just a opion,
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Hobostubs
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The7thDave
291 posts
Aug 15, 2012
12:00 PM
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If you're looking for a teacher for *yourself*, as opposed to your kid, then I think being a good student is way more important that getting a "good teacher." If you're truly motivated to learn, practice, and do your own study at home, and you're not afraid to ask questions, then you will learn *something* from your teacher--provided he or she has the goods and is willing to share them with you.
Even the "best" of teachers can't do much with a bad student.
I think it's also important to find a teacher whose style of teaching is compatible with your style of learning. Some people like a structured curriculum, some people like to have someone who will just answer their questions, offer pointers, and open their eyes to possibilities they hadn't previously considered.
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--Dave
* BTMFH *
Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2012 12:02 PM
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Miles Dewar
1388 posts
Aug 15, 2012
12:50 PM
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Interesting comments and thread.
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Hobostubs Ashlock
1927 posts
Aug 15, 2012
1:09 PM
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yea good points 7th dave
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Hobostubs
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TheoBurke
69 posts
Aug 15, 2012
1:21 PM
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All I can say is that the person learning the harmonica is smart to go with any method that actually works. If a taking lessons from an instructor can produce tangible, measurable results for the better in the novice's playing, I say more power to them. I am, more or less, entirely self-taught on the instrument, although there have been a few times over the years when I was showed a thing or two by a more experienced player--how to do a gliss, how to purse the lips to bend the nine and ten hole blow, how to count time-- but I do not dismiss those players who also offer up their services as teachers. Any advantage a younger player can get he or she should take. The market, of course, governs all of this--not everyone calling themselves a teacher has the ability to instruct or motivate a student. The would be student should, I believe, keep their ears open for those who can truly impart some knowledge.
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Ted Burke
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VPUDjK-ibQ&feature=relmfu
ted-burke.com
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arzajac
838 posts
Aug 15, 2012
2:47 PM
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My local harp teacher set the standard for me. Here is what I expect from a harp teacher from this point onwards:
1- Defining my goals. Or at least defining what goals can be met by my teacher's skill set.
2- Lessons that address those goals in a systematic fashion.
3- Proper resources. For example, my teacher sat down and prepared a handful of videos for me before each lesson as well as a handout to refer to. Those were emailed to me just following the lesson (after I paid for the lesson) and I could refer back to them in between lessons.
4- Monitored progress. Lessons were tailored to address unmet goals.
Whether I take a one-off Skype lesson or sign up for a series of courses, this is what I expect to get to move forwards. I just won't spend money or time unless I know what I am going to get from it.
While we are on the topic, I was recently in the presence of the best Sax player I have ever met. In his mid fifties, he informed me that he had just taken some lessons a few months back. He is surprised at how few professional musicians take lessons regularly. That opened my eyes to the fact that I will probably be taking music lessons for the rest of my life (at one time or another)....
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Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2012 2:48 PM
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Littoral
583 posts
Aug 15, 2012
3:25 PM
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My professional experience mimics HarpNinjas, masters in teaching and many years doing professional development for teachers. The primary focus of my work has been on inquiry-based practice. I could wax endless on this but I'll try to cut to the chase. The best most teachers can conceive to do is to explain something really well. That's effective. Excellent teaching is about listening carefully enough to help a student ask and answer their own questions. That is RARELY accomplished by answering their questions. In fact, that's the quickest way I know to kill learning.
Last Edited by on Aug 15, 2012 3:26 PM
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