ecarroll

TMers,

I was approached about two years ago by a very interesting colleague (a hornist) in Melbourne about filming a few masterclasses for a new venture called The Brass Academy, an online effort associated with the Melbourne International Festival of Brass. This eventually grew into themusicpage.com

The left side of my brain came into conflict with the right side on this one, and ultimately I chose not to participate, being unsure of the value of online teaching efforts and my ability to produce anything useful for mass-consumption over this media. For me the jury is still out on this one.

Since then The Masterclass Foundation has come into being and I've watched with critical interest some of the work presented on this site, as it parallels some of what we offer each summer at Chosen Vale.

http://www.masterclassfoundation.org/news.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb3ws7tBtCs

Wilmer and I have both touched recently upon learning music and the trumpet from a wide variety of sources and ways, not simply from working with an individual teacher (not that I'm putting this method down. Without it, well, what in the world have I spent the past 22 years doing?).

My question to you, since TM represents a wide range of abilities and aspirations, is this: how much educational value do you find in watching music teaching videos like this? Do you find them to be inspiational? Can you take useful nuggets from them back to your practice room?

Watching this thread with interest,
EC

wilcox96

I'll weigh in a bit. Although nothing can ever replace the one on one - in the same room - quality of instruction (especially by an accomplished teacher), this is a new day...and the vehicles available allow for a new "way".

I believe the opportunity to view a masterclass or even just a video of a teacher discussing a piece/instrument mechanics/etc is incredible. Just think - you don't have to be near, nor even know the teacher to get the benefit of their wisdom. Talk about a chance of a lifetime.

I think the challenge - in this "new way" - is to somehow make sure the teacher/artists not only gets compensated properly, but maintains the rights per view without the product being easily being copied and put out for free. I've seen a few sites where it literally is a pay per view. I suppose there is a way around everything...but it is worth considering.

I think back to my High School days when bands like Maynard, Buddy, Woody, symphonies, artists, etc would tour around. The night time may have been the concert, but the days were filled with clinics by each section. To have things like this available to view (especially for those who did "not" have the opportunity to be there in person)....wow. Same goes for the video you linked to. What a fantastic opportunity to watch.

__________________
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siarr

Hi, Ed,

Excellent thread topic as usual! I must agree with Wilcox - what a wonderful resource the web can be - as an adjunct, of course, not a replacement for the traditional private lesson. It strikes me as the same sort of breakthrough as when the phonograph record came along and opened up the entire gamut of music for people who weren't fortunate enough to live in/near a major cultural center. YouTube is another of these fabulous new resources. The hard part is tearing oneself away from all these endlessly engaging and ever-growing databases of performances and teaching videos. I think there's much to be learned by watching online master classes. Having said that, I do worry that live concerts may ultimately be in some jeopardy from the techno revolution, but that's a topic for another thread!

Best as always,
Chas

HoosierDaddy

Ed,

I think it's great. Jim Pandolfi would love what Hakan says in this clip. Thanks for bringing the masterclass site up. I am now $47 bucks poorer!

KJaeger

Ed:

I think there is considerable value in these types of resources. Nothing should replace individual, in-person instruction, of course. But as an supplement this is really helpful.

I've gained some very useful instructional nuggets from several online sources through this site as well as the other site. Manny's comments (including some of the linked videos) have helped me make important progress in the last year or two. Not long ago there was a linked Youtube video of Jim Manley exchanging ideas with the Airmen of Note trumpet section that helped me greatly with how I think about breathing and sound production - an informal exchange to be sure, but nearly as informative as a Master class.

The great thing about this medium is that we can be exposed to a much greater variety of teaching viewpoints. I can only see this as a good thing!

__________________
- Kevin Jaeger

Pikes Peak Philharmonic
Colorado Springs, CO

KJaeger

By the way, the Hardenberger video was awesome - thank you for linking that!

__________________
- Kevin Jaeger

Pikes Peak Philharmonic
Colorado Springs, CO

bockhaus

I find the wealth of information on the internet in all forms quite fascinating. It can also be quite useful. I think you must beware the pitfall though... too many differing opinions/viewpoints. It can be very confusing to a newbie and/or comeback player like myself. I think if you have a teacher to share what you learn and to discuss what may be useful for your individual needs, you will be in good shape. If you go it alone and just makes changes on the fly, you could get in a lot of trouble. Or at the least, prolong any real progress.

HoosierDaddy

I think what Hardenberger says in that clip are some of the most fundamental principles in great trumpet playing, and they are often the most overlooked. There is no danger in watching this class.

ecarroll

B'haus,

This "one size fits all" issue is what gives me pause. I remember Vince Cichowicz saying years ago that he wouldn't, in spite of his well documented success as a teacher, publish a "method" book. I teach individuals, not methods, and we have no control over who is accessing and potentially misunderstanding what they find on a resource as broad as the internet.

One the other hand (sorry for sounding like a politician), a discriminating viewer is presented with a wealth of information online and, with careful consideration, should be able to take a nugget or two away to practice. I would have absolutely no worries about any of my students at CalArts or McGill in this regard.

It's an interesting problem that crosses many boundaries and, like I said, I'm conflicted.

Still watching with extreme interest,
EC

ecarroll

M,

We're obviously posting at the same time and I totally agree about this particular class.

Best,
EC