Defensive Pedagogy

Strawdoggy · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 12:46 pm Post subject:

In teaching music, there are certain truths which are black and white. They include, but are not limited to: rhythm, articulation, fingerings, dynamics, transpostions, key signatures, and chord spellings. Although teachers may use a different approach in their instruction of these truths, student performance of these concepts can be evaluated as either correct or incorrect.

Black and white is not the case when teaching the physical aspects of playing a brass instrument. Many successful performers and teachers use different embouchures and approaches to teaching the same. It becomes more difficult to make the "correct/incorrect" determination here. If a student has a poor tone or range, is it due to a faulty embouchure, or one which is underdeveloped? If the sound and range are pretty good for an intermediate student, is their physical approach correct, or are they using an inefficient embouchure which will cause them to plateau as the demands on their playing increase with time? How are these determinations made? How are inefficiencies remedied?

Our perspectives are a result of the sum-totals of our own experiences. Both what does/did and doesn't/didn't work for us. I can only speak for myself, but I believe most teachers teach this way.

I find it very interesting that when teaching the physical aspects of the horn, trumpeters become very passionate concerning their own beliefs. Why is this? Perhaps because playing the instrument is such a personal and uplifting experience. Think about it - we cradle the instrument in our hands and blow life into it to create a lyrical and triumphant sound! Much more personal than hitting a drum or striking a keyboard. Maybe another contributing factor to this passion is a loyal devotion to a teacher who has put them on the path to success. Maybe trumpet-player ego?

As I lurk about on the Herald, I find it interesting (and sometimes painful) to read some of the negative posts which contain personal attacks. While I particularly enjoy heated discussions in defense of different methodologies, it all seems to crumble when a poster resorts to inflammatory remarks instead of defending their assertions. I really don't care to read that. I am here to listen to questions from aspiring players and to consider answers from players/teachers with experience, or anyone else who has had a similar problem. Often the two parties in disagreement are closer on a point than they may think, but improper or careless use of semantics gets in the way.

The point of this rambling is that I believe the majority of us are here at the Herald to use this great resource to see what is "out there" both in the form of products and knowledge. Some threads begin with a great question and end up as a personal confrontation when someone cannot back up their own premise. When I see (and now skip over) these posts, I can't help but think how much I would hate to be this person's student - no matter how well they play. What works for one may not work for another. Back up what you have to say and have an open mind instead of a defensive attitude.

I am now preparing myself mentally for the barbs before I hit the submit button.

Steve

pfrank · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:08 pm Post subject:

Well stated!

To add to your statement on the nature of trumpet, Trumpet is the only instrument, other voice, where one's Own Flesh is producing the vibration!

Emb_Enh · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Oct 2002 Posts: 455

Well done!

You won't get any disagreement from me on this one!

Roddy o-iii<O
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jkramb19 · Veteran Member Joined: 16 Mar 2002 Posts: 365

right on
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_PhilPicc · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 4:21 pm Post subject:

Great Post - Great Message!

Thanks,
Phil
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Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-24 13:51 ]

vivace · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 4:54 pm Post subject:

what about any brass instrument? they use flesh
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pair of kings · Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2002 6:16 pm Post subject:

THANK YOU, Steve.

wayben · Regular Member Joined: 20 Jan 2002 Posts: 60 Location: usa

Well said, Steve.

mark936 · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2002 2:52 am Post subject:

OMG=(Oh my God) what happened? Did you see an opinionated trumpet player? Where is he?

It is sad to see people type stuff that they would never say if they were standing in the same room with the other person. That's the yardstick I use.

I've always looked at the www discussion groups as a crowded cyber-hangar with many conversations taking place at the same time.

This site is kindergarten compared to some of the usenet discussions. Personal attacks,slander, ethnic, sexual and physical threats are posted by the minute.

I find it comforting to be in this forum with like minded people--so far.

And I assume if a post is way out of line a Moderator would delete it.

mm

"God made the '65 Selmer K-modified lightweight--man made all the others..."

pfrank · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2002 5:49 am Post subject:

Warbird · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 5:42 pm Post subject:

Strawdoggy · Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2002 5:54 pm Post subject:

Warbird,

Yes. And what's more, I will acknowledge if I believe I am wrong!

I miss the NC weather, although it is warming up here in PA. Used to live in Fayettenam. : )

Steve

edtaylor · Posted: Thu Apr 25, 2002 8:43 pm Post subject:

Strawdoggy, May be too logical to be acceptable, but I thoroughly agree with your commentary.
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Ed Taylor . . . a Messianic gentile

jgadvert · Posted: Fri Apr 26, 2002 9:15 am Post subject:

Well put post.

For me, success is the best defense. As long as I achieve my goals as a musician and businessman(as it relates to trumpet playing)
I ultimately dont give a horses patoot regarding negative comments.

95% of the time it comes from someone who isnt doing better than me(what a joke!)

However, folks should be able to say what they want(negative or otherwise). Thats why I suggested a "hardball" forum. So if you must, it's there for you. If it's not your thing, tune out and go look at the post on "spit valves". People like to read bashing(vicious or non vicious). Like it or not. Forums that contain bashing have amongst the most views.

I've got a dozen friendly beefs I'd like to air but I dont think its right tying up an educational discussion with it.

Warbird · Posted: Fri Apr 26, 2002 1:35 pm Post subject:

Strawdoggy · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2002 5:29 am Post subject:

Warbird,

No offense taken. : )

I hope people reading my original post understand that I am not hyper-sensitive or anything close to it. I was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne in an earlier life. Believe me, nothing that is said here on the internet is going to shock me. My point is that players on this forum who want to argue a pedagogical point should use experience, laws of physics, research to defend their point, as opposed to running out of ideas and insulting someone who may have disproven their theory.

That's all.

Steve

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-24 13:52 ]

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2002-04-29 18:29 ]

edtaylor · Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2002 9:01 pm Post subject:

Steve, Some of this talk brings back memories. Long ago my address for a time was Med Co, 504 AIR, 82d Abn Div.
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