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Subject: Re: Beginners and Instructors Author: Mike Miller [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 16:02:21 05/21/03 Wed In reply to: Scot Kortegaard 's message, "Beginners and Instructors" on 01:14:08 05/21/03 Wed Snip You really can not learn to play the >bagpipe properly without one! Snip Until I started looking at these forums and News Groups, I had no idea there were so many out there trying to learn with out an instructor. I have met some people trying to learn on their own and really suggested that they get instruction, but often get the response, " I play violin, so I know how to play an instrument, There are only nine notes, I think I can handle it." Almost as though I insulted the person. It is a shame , because there are some strictly bagpipe things and there are probably some things in other instruments that you don't need to concern yourself with on the pipes. Similar thing for Drummers. " I played a kit drum in a garage country band when I lived in Texas" IT is a shame because, not only are these people not being realistic, but they are not exposing themselves to what can be accomplished on bagpipes or highland snare drums. I give them full support in trying but when some one suggests lessons, it is advice that is not meant as an insult, it is meant to be helpful. I have been playing many years, not well , but many years. I still enjoy helpful tips from the many more proficient than myself. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> Subject: Re: Beginners and Instructors Author: Kevin Gilstrap [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 20:22:05 05/21/03 Wed Hey Scot! Good to see a familiar name out here! I just wanted to comment on your post. I agree completely with your advice. But the statement about a "poor instructor is better than none at all" may be ture most of the time; but there are exceptions. I once had a student come to me that I found out was taking lessons from a person that knew to be the absolute worst piper on the planet. The poor guy that came to me didn't know that he was in the hands of such a hideous player. I truly think that the guy would have been better off trying to teach himself from books and using the internet; not that I recommend it. I spent nearly a year trying to undo the damage. Anyway, good to hear from you again! Kevin >> "For a beginner, the quality of instruction is important, though a poor instructor is better than none at all." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> Subject: Re: Beginners and Instructors Author: Scot Kortegaard [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 01:55:05 05/22/03 Thu >Hey Scot! Good to see a familiar name out here! I >just wanted to comment on your post. Hiya Mike, good to see you too!!! Thanks for the warm welcome. I agree >completely with your advice. But the statement about >a "poor instructor is better than none at all" may be >ture most of the time; but there are exceptions. I >once had a student come to me that I found out was >taking lessons from a person that knew to be the >absolute worst piper on the planet. The poor guy that >came to me didn't know that he was in the hands of >such a hideous player. Actually, you're right. We have that same guy here (or his clone) that takes on poor unsuspecting people, and pawns himself off as an instructor. He teaches poor technique, it's sad actually. I've had to undo alot of his teachings myself. I wonder though, this guy DOES put in the time, he DOES care about tying to get these students started. He realizes if nothing else, that he can't take them past the basics, so I guess he limits the damage by passing them on to another instructor fairly early. Most beginners have no idea who to go to for instruction, and wouldn't even know who to ask about it. So, I think it's got to be the responsibility of the local pipers to be sure that students are getting quality instruction. In short, you're right ........ somewhat ;) I don't think we should discourage the lesser instructors out there. They provide a valuable service; to students, other more proficient instructors (in that they provide the basics to the students and pass them on to other more qualified instructors), and derive satisfaction for themselves on another level through instructing. We should though, attempt to keep an eye on these prospective pipers in the care of these hack teachers, and rescue them when it's needed. Been there, done that!!!! I truly think that the guy >would have been better off trying to teach himself >from books and using the internet; not that I >recommend it. I spent nearly a year trying to undo >the damage. Anyway, good to hear from you again! Good to hear from you too!!!!! Nice to have some civil discussion without all the garbage like that on RMMB. I'm taking a sabaticle from that loony bin. I'm going to wait to see if the drive to expel the local troll(s) is successful. We shall see :) Cheers, Scot. >Kevin > > > >>> "For a beginner, the quality of instruction is >important, though a poor instructor is better than >none at all." [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

[> [> [> Subject: Re: Beginners and Instructors Author: Pipe Major John Mitchell [ Edit | View ] Date Posted: 13:47:31 05/22/03 Thu Big Snip -< >Good to hear from you too!!!!! Nice to have some civil >discussion without all the garbage like that on RMMB. >I'm taking a sabaticle from that loony bin. I'm going >to wait to see if the drive to expel the local >troll(s) is successful. We shall see :) Highly doubt it! Usenet does not consider flame wars to be abusive! Sad! Back on topic, after reading many posts from all forums, I still see many students struggling in the 3rd year and that's with instruction. Question is, how good is the quality of instruction? I think some students create a fear of starting on the bagpipe after being on the chanter for over a year. There's no reason that a beginning student couldn't at least learn to start playing the pipes with just the knowledge of the scale. It's a starting point and everything they learn on the chanter should be learned on the pipes too. Why wait? JM [ Post a Reply to This Message ]