I will be teaching four different levels of fiddle classes beginning in January. The e-mail inquiries coming in are quite interesting but, in some cases, alarming.
Two people have contacted me to register for other people that don't know they are being signed up! This scares me because it is like buying someone a pet without their knowledge. Will they resent it? Feel obligated? Or, just not come at all?
This brings to mind a strange occurrence from one of my early beginning fiddle classes at a local community college. An elderly, confused gentleman appeared on the first day with a banjo in hand and an absolute conviction that I was going to teach him to play. "But this is a fiddle class," I protested, helplessly. "I don't teach banjo." Taking a seat in the front row, he flipped open the latches on the case. "I'm sure the college will give you a refund," I persisted. "This is a mistake." He looked up at me mildly, picked up the banjo, and sat at attention. Out of ideas, I let it go and resumed my focus on the rest of the group, all properly equipped with the right instrument. He kept coming back week after week, ignoring my explanations, then half-way through the third class abruptly jumped to his feet, bawled, "I'm not learning anything here!" and stormed out. I made sure he got his refund, but it was unsettling.
Why learn to play fiddle? Because it’s the greatest thing in the world to do! I’ve been playing fiddle now for 36 years, as a solo performing musician, as a band member and as a teacher. My job is to share my joy and enthusiasm and to show others how to get there.
Make sure, then, that those for whom you buy the ticket really want to take the trip.
More anon.
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