by Charles “Skip” Snead, Professor of Horn, The University of Alabama
Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding experience; it is the willful acceptance of a sacred trust between teacher and student. When a student entrusts the teacher with goals and dreams, that brings serious responsibility for each. It is important to treat every student as an individual and to intentionally try to meet them where they are. Each has different skill sets and a different personality; each will respond to different approaches and teaching styles. A successful teacher must practice flexibility, offering each student the best opportunity to progress and succeed.
Being a successful teacher requires a balance of three important roles: teacher, mentor, and psychologist. The teacher must have the teaching skills to offer the student what they need to learn, the mentoring skills to provide the inspiration and guidance that is required, and the psychology necessary to bring these things to bear in the most positive way for each individual.
While always being absolutely clear and honest with every student, keeping a positive forward-looking attitude is crucial. When working with a student, it is not productive to discuss what is bad or what has failed. It is more productive to support the positives that are present while also clearly outlining every opportunity for the improvement of flaws with a specific plan for how that can be achieved. This must occur with an equal eye on the technical, musical, and stylistic requirements of any given work. Encouraging the student always to look forward, learning from past mistakes, is vital; looking backward, showing undue concern about the past, is not a productive mindset. Focusing on what can be achieved and what can be corrected is what will bring success. The instilling of a proper attitude and a solid work ethic in every student is crucial to ongoing development. This is best accomplished with encouragement, a clear vision of possibilities, and active mentoring and support through the process.
The practice of honesty builds their trust in you. Students must also know that you believe in them, support opportunities for their success, and are willing to go the extra mile to help them get there. If a student is struggling, one encouraging word can be more productive than a paragraph of negative comments.
Like the relationship that is forged between the teacher and student, similar relationships between studio colleagues should be encouraged as well. Students learn effective skills, both musical and personal, by working with and supporting each other. When all players understand their roles in and commitment to the overall studio community, all grow stronger as a group. A positive, productive attitude between students is crucial. When the correct attitude is achieved, anything is possible. Then, the greatest reward for any teacher is seeing the results, whether small steps or large achievements, and the joy that ultimately follows.
