Follow Your Instructor's Suggestions

Steve Raybine:

Blog #48:

Follow Your Instructor's Suggestions

Pianists--How many times have you heard the following instructions?

“Don’t Drop Your Wrists,” “Don’t Stick Out Your Thumb(s) and Pinky(s),” “Keep Your Fingers’ Curved and Your Wrists Flat,” “Don’t Let Your Fingers Drift Off of the Keyboard,” “Don’t Slouch--Sit Up Straight,” “Don’t Cross Your Feet—Keep them Pointing Straight Ahead,” “Half Notes Receive Two Complete Beats and Quarter Notes One Complete Beat,” “Watch and Play the Correct Dynamics,” etc., etc.

Percussionists--How many times have you heard the following instructions?

“Tighten Your Fulcrum(s),” “Play in the Center of the Drum or the Tone Bar(s),” “Keep Your Wrists FLAT,” “Maintain Your Ready-Play Position,” “Count Accurately and Use the Metronome,” “Make a Low Shift Followed by a Full Stroke,” “Don’t Rush/Drag and Keep the Tempo Steady—Use Your Metronome,” “Maintain the Correct Angle of Your Sticks/Mallets,” “A Specific Mallet(s) is Higher/Lower than the Other Mallet(s),” “Watch Your Stick/Mallet Heights,” etc., etc.

The function of a teacher is to provide excellent/insightful instruction to his/her students (demonstration and commentary) and to make appropriate suggestions (demonstration if required) to the student as he/she begins to apply the information. Moreover, the instructor is there to try to answer the students’ questions and to provide guidance in an affirming and inspiring/motivational manner—and to make the learning experience Fun, Creative and Challenging! So, ask your teacher questions and listen carefully to his or her advice as you proceed on your way to becoming a more skilled performer!

Copyright Steve Raybine 2004

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