Re: mandolin teachers
IMHO, based on my experiences as both a student and a teacher, teaching is an art. A good teacher does not have a one size fits all method. He or she strives to understand how each student learns best. The teacher then teaches to that learning style. Each student/ teacher interaction is different - just as all mandolins are different. A student should be able to leave a lesson with a clear understanding of what she/he gained from the lesson. This understanding should be way more than a vague idea that "I just need to practice more." The teacher/student relationship should involve constant reassessment of goals and achievements - a dynamic learning process. If the student cannot articulate what he is truly learning; what her/his understanding of the music is; and what his technique development is etc, then IMHO there is a failure in the learning process. Music lessons are expensive investments of time and energy and should be assessed carefully. There are great, great teachers out there and some not so great - I think you will recognize one when you find him or her. These comments only reflect my experience. We are all different, but I suspect at one time or another we have all had a teacher (whether in music or not) that we knew was just outstanding. If so, remind yourself about why that teacher seemed so good.
“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” ― Albert Schweitzer
1925 Lyon & Healy Model A, #1674
2015 Collings A (MT2-V)
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