My good friend Walter Beasley e-mailed me yesterday after seeing my Dad’s picture in my myspace. I’m sure the picture took him back to thoughts and images of his formative years of musical training. He commented on what dedicated teachers we’ve become. Looking back we both acknowledge the seed was planted many years ago. Not that he ever took teaching for granted, neither one of us would ever dishonor such an honorable profession. On occasion, however, I think it’s only natural, scratch that, imperative for a creative person to evaluate their place in the world. Where they’ve been, where they’re going, etc. I do it all the time!!
Walter and I were fortunate to have a music teacher with vision, direction, and fortitude who nurtured our talent. For me, it was only natural that I was excited and honored to be given the opportunity to teach. I’m sure Walter felt the same way when he was asked to join the faculty at Berklee. We knew we weren’t going to half ass a damn thing based on our formative training, and our hunger to be successful!!!!!!
Now, let’s move forward to what I really want to discuss. My first full-time teaching job was at Chicago State University. The very first day of classes, I was nervous, excited, hopeful, and extremely optimistic about this unique opportunity. Well, I had probably been on campus for about thirty minutes when a colleague whom I had just met said,"Don’t expect much." I was speechless. To be honest with you, if that were to happen today I would tell the teacher that they’re full of shit!! Any teacher who reads this and feels the same way about their students should get out of the profession immediately!!
This afternoon I got a phone call from one of those students that I wasn’t supposed to expect much from. He is a professional bassist who has lived in New York for the past eight years, and now resides in Los Angeles and is doing well. This is just one story but they’re many others from the same group that have prospered as professional musicians and educators. After I hung up the phone, I felt elated. All was right with the world as I like to say.
You don’t always get instant gratification as a teacher, but when your former students become professionals and realize their dreams and aspirations, and by you believing in them they gained the confidence to become successful, I assure you it will be one of the most satisfying moments you’ll ever experience professionally.
The point I want us all to remember is that students will always rise to the top when you set the bar high. It is a simple but true fact. Students, treat your teachers with the respect they deserve. We have dedictaed our lives to this profession and you know we don’t teach for the money!! Teachers, don’t sell your students short. How do you think you got here, and who helped you along the way?
So, what was your question again?
Peace
DC