| I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Ghitalla, but my teacher for three years of undergrad worked with he and Voisin extensively. The stories above about how it was to work with him are indicitive of most any great teacher of that era.
I think that teachers have been forced to "nice'n' up" by institutions. If they aren't nice to students, the students simply leave for another teacher that treats them well, but never raises their blood pressure. I really don't understand this! Students remember experiences, including getting thrown out of a lesson for not being prepared. Maybe that will light the fire under them to work!
I would much rather have a teacher that is always on my case and extremely invested in me than one that is "nice."
P.S. While in high school, I wrote to Mr. Ghitalla, and he sent me a letter back and an autographed picture. His last line was, "Perhaps someday I shall have a chance to hear you play." I wish that had happened! |