Re: [Harp-L] college course or private lesson

[Bob Cohen <bob@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 17, 2012, at 2:40 AM, Robert Hale wrote:

> Excellence and professionalism moved through the generations long before the University formalized it into a business. Let’s not give it more singular, sacred honor than it deserves.

Robert this discussion is an age-old trope among harmonica players. It is indisputable that there are players who become artistically relevant and commercially successful without going to conservatory but pointing to a small population and suggesting that model is applicable to the majority does not make sense. The body of knowledge is greater than any one private teacher.

The vast majority of harmonica players (I include myself in this category) approach their study haphazardly and in their spare time. The harmonica would be so much further along if more of us set aside four years of our lives to train in an organized course of study with highly qualified teachers.

All the above said, to each his own, or as an old friend of Italian descent used to say, "Sauseege his own." Make music your way and have a great time doing it!

Bob