by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of freshman Plan II students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. I always enjoy spending a day with Glenn and his students each semester.
A Note to the Class of TC 301
The college experience is going to be wholly different for you than it was for me when I was a freshman music major in 1969. The ego-driven, autocratic classroom learning model of “I know everything and you don’t” is hopefully dying. Music is a dynamic subject, meaning we must learn together how to negotiate the rapid changes in technology and sociology.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
As freshmen, you are probably feeling some of this life dynamism right now. As we age, the game only intensifies. I remember being surprised in learning that adults never really “arrive” at what might be called the “best expression” of their lives. So, how does this life and artful dynamism relate to musical performers? Plenty! Certainly you have your favorites. This is the perfect class whereby the examination of a performer’s art and life might become an examination of your own!
Here’s where you, the young student, gets to hear someone else’s truth unprotected from “spin”. I remember, when presented with a chance of talking with a professional, feeling like I didn’t know enough to even know what my questions should be. I don’t want you to have a lost opportunity.
So, instead of asking questions, I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you actually make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Like I said, sometimes we don’t know enough to ask a question. As Plan II students, I know you can write and comment on what’s around you. For instance, the photo at the right has plenty to comment on if you are interested in the performing arts. If we can move the conversation toward cogent and thoughful concern for YOUR experience then my brief visit might be helpful to you. If nothing else, you will learn that your education is YOUR responsibility regardless of who’s paying for it or who’s teaching you. So, post away. Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas on how you might start your post:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. Let’s see if we, together, can make this a memorable day. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for inviting me into your already successful program. I wish this course had been offered in 1969!
by Gary Powell
Glenn Richter teaches this class of freshman Plan II students and has invited me to guest lecture October 5th. I always enjoy spending a day with Glenn and his students each semester.
A Note to the Class of TC 301
The college experience is going to be wholly different for you than it was for me when I was a freshman music major in 1969. The ego-driven, autocratic classroom learning model of “I know everything and you don’t” is hopefully dying. Music is a dynamic subject, meaning we must learn together how to negotiate the rapid changes in technology and sociology.
“Just because something has always been doesn’t mean it should always be!”
As freshmen, you are probably feeling some of this life dynamism right now. As we age, the game only intensifies. I remember being surprised in learning that adults never really “arrive” at what might be called the “best expression” of their lives. So, how does this life and artful dynamism relate to musical performers? Plenty! Certainly you have your favorites. This is the perfect class whereby the examination of a performer’s art and life might become an examination of your own!
Here’s where you, the young student, gets to hear someone else’s truth unprotected from “spin”. I remember, when presented with a chance of talking with a professional, feeling like I didn’t know enough to even know what my questions should be. I don’t want you to have a lost opportunity.
So, instead of asking questions, I suggest that you, the student, individually post a comment here that will help prepare me for visiting your class. I also suggest that you actually make comments rather than ask questions.
Why Comments Instead of Questions?
Like I said, sometimes we don’t know enough to ask a question. As Plan II students, I know you can write and comment on what’s around you. For instance, the photo at the right has plenty to comment on if you are interested in the performing arts. If we can move the conversation toward cogent and thoughful concern for YOUR experience then my brief visit might be helpful to you. If nothing else, you will learn that your education is YOUR responsibility regardless of who’s paying for it or who’s teaching you. So, post away. Having trouble getting started? Here are some ideas on how you might start your post:
I’m concerned about …
I’m observing that…
My experience has been that…
When I hear “whatever”, I feel that…
My hope is that…
My fear is that…
The music business is…
Dude, wait ’til you hear this…
I will assimilate your comments and try to facilitate a meaningful class for you.
Need more stimulation?
Check out my Lecture Topics and see if any of this has something do you with YOU. Let’s see if we, together, can make this a memorable day. Thank you, Glenn Richter, for inviting me into your already successful program. I wish this course had been offered in 1969!
Mr. Powell,
After learning of the commitment it takes to become succesful in the music industry, I have developed a great respect for anyone who is willing to take that chance. Seeing the hardships that people go through is quite admirable. They are willing to give up everything to pursue their dream. They know that it is a long and dirty road, but they do not give up hope. They keep on persisting no matter what is blocking their path. What is most admirable is that they know that their hardwork and dedication is no gurantee of success, yet they are still willing to take the chance to do something big and become soneone great.
– Daniel Morris (Business of Music Performance TC 301)
Daniel, thank you for your comment on the topic of hope in the face of long odds. Think about this before tomorrow: A willingness to “give up everything” in pursuit of a “dream” is not a reasonable thing to do. This is why so many parents freak when their sons and daughters look to chase the dream. I like the idea that we consciously adopt a will to succeed. We have a word for this and it is aspiration. Maybe we should simply substitute the word aspiration where we have traditionally used the word dream.
Also, mastering any subject or career is more an additive process than a subtractive one. If one is gaining knowledge, skill and experience, what is the loss? Students who want to live the dream without a sense of discipline aren’t the ones to be admired. (Not that you do, btw). So, just to reframe your comment a bit I would say, “Hail to the disciples of art who present glorious possiblities for all of us through their own expression which has been born of their own aspirations.”
See you tomorrow. — Gary Powell