Charateristics of great teachers

[SgtMac]

What were some of the characteristics that standout for some of the great teachers and P/M's in history?

[EquusRacer]

Assuming that you're talking about some of the historically great names in teachers and in P/Ms (probably two different topics, however):

I don't ever recall any who were murdered. :thumb:

[sl8er]

Patience, open-ness to new ideas and arguements, willing to go out of their way to help, great musician, willing to try something new and innovative, wanting to help each member improve as much as possible and then working on the band etc.

[piob player]

Fostering the relationship with the student so the student is relaxed. Knowing when to push, when to hold back. Being a positive role model as to how to handle disappointment, frustration in competition as well as success. Keeping up with the trends and current thinking. Fostering a love of music. Valuing every student, not just the superstars who usually require very little teaching. A truly great student sincerely wants the student to be as good as or better than themselves, rather than just trying to impress the student how good a player they are themselves. Ask yourself if your teacher really wants you to be a better player than themself. Picking tunes that suit the student, not tunes that the teacher is trying to masterfor the next competition. Tolerates and accommodates goals not related to competition or band playing

[piob player]

OOOps meant.. "A truly great TEACHER sincerely wants the student to be as good as themselves etc

[Chris Donaldson]

I'd say that a truly great teacher is selfless enough to want the student to be BETTER than them.

[Christoph Kresse]

Originally posted by Chris Donaldson:
I'd say that a truly great teacher is selfless enough to want the student to be BETTER than them. I totally agree here with Chris!
Unfortunately I have often wittnessed in the past that many instructors or teachers had a problem with that. Very sad, in my oppinion, if an instructor is more interested in its own fame than in the students future and progress.
CK

[Thirsty Fiberweave]

I totally agree here with Chris!
Unfortunately I have often wittnessed in the past that many instructors or teachers had a problem with that. Very sad, in my oppinion, if an instructor is more interested in its own fame than in the students future and progress.
CK I think that a mark of a good teacher (in any discipline) is the success of their students. There is some truth to the old saying "Those who can't do, teach..."

If your instructor is one of the "big name" pipers or drummers who is active and competing, your instructor will have to balance some self-centeredness with their desire to teach. What else is pushing them in their own musical career except their drive to get and play better?

Many (but not all, of course) of the best instructors are no longer active on the solo circuit and don't have to manage this dual nature. They know that there is always someone younger/faster/etc. on the way up and don't have to to feel threatened by it. Instead, they choose to help in the success.

[Christoph Kresse]

I was more talking of this kind of teachers that always need to put their label on everything, basically giving a crap about the student and get upset if their students might even win more prizes in contests or even get jealous if their own student does better than them.
Of course an instructor has a insterest in getting her/his name out and she/he should be proud of their students but some teachers just think they are the centre of the universe. And I am not talking about pros like Bruce Gandy, Jack Lee etc.
CK

[OKiepiper2]

A great instructor inspires students. Both to be better than they are, but to reach new heights. The techinical aspects have to be there, but it is the passion that great instructor has for his craft that must be passed on. That never dies and is what keeps the craft alive and vibrant.

-- an old band director

[Gr8_Piper]

Well said OkiePiper: Kind of like Mr. Holland's Opus

[David]

If you teach long enough, it can only speak well for your ability to inspire and instruct if you have students who have surpassed your own abilities. Unless of course this is because you have senile dementia, and they do not.