I’m currently in the Atlanta airport, en route to Puerto Rico. This is the third annual trip I’ve made to the island, to attend La Fiesta de Santiago Apostol in the town of Loiza, and to learn more about the traditional percussion rhythms of Bomba and Plena.
Before I get to the point of this post, a quick side note: This morning brought with it yet another travel hacking opportunity. I volunteered my seat for a flight (opting for a later one) and scored 600 more Delta Dollars, two meal vouchers and a First Class seat to San Juan, Puerto Rico later today! Oh, yeah . . . and I’m writing this while rockin’ the free wi-fi and drinks right now in the Delta SkyClub! But, I digress . . .
I was sitting here, reading Marc Dicciani‘s excellent article (“Lifelong Learning- What If?”) in the latest issue of Percussive Notes, when I suddenly became aware of something that happens to me each time I set out on one of these overseas study adventures. I consciously feel an internal transition from “teacher mode” to “student mode.” Taking some time to step away from my usual role as instructor is the single best thing I can do for all of my students. Putting myself in this position . . .
. . . increases my rhythmic repertoire and vocabulary, giving me more of the same to teach about.
. . . reminds me what “student mode” feels like- hopefully helping to keep me sensitive to my students’ needs, wishes and challenges.
. . . renews my own passion for music and making music, which is probably the greatest thing I can hope to pass on and inspire in others.
One of the most frequent questions I’m continually asked by new students’ parents is, “How long does he/she need to take lessons?” I’ve been taking lessons now for the past 23 years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon. As my bio shows, I have studied with Dave Stanoch, Gordy Knudtson, Marv Dahlgren, Paul Wertico, Payton MacDonald, Dane Richeson, Ed Thigpen, Rakalam Bob Moses, Graham Lear, Emmanuel and Rubben Agbeli, Daniel Thigpen, Rakalam Bob Moses, Graham Lear, Emmanuel and Rubben Agbeli, Daniel Alfonso, Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro, Jorge Alabe, Mamady Keita, Jerry Leake, Takaaki Masuko, Rafael Maya Alvarez, Hector ‘Tito’ Matos and Subash Chandran (whew!), and am still constantly on the lookout for new people to acquire more rhythms and concepts from. Many of my favorite musicians (and many of my teachers listed above) also happen to be among those who have proven themselves to be consummate and lifelong students.
Not sure who first said that “once you stop learning, you start dying,” but this is so true in every area of life. It applies to any and every worthwhile endeavor. No learning . . . no growth.
So, how long does one need to take lessons? Umm . . . I’ll get back to you on that.
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I’d love to hear about your experiences in ‘lifelong learning.’ Tell us all about it in a comment below!
I constantly find that when I start teaching others, I start learning even more than before.
I like this –> “No learning . . . no growth.”
The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.
Very true, Joel! Beginning to teach private percussion lessons was the #1 thing that helped me to refine my own technique and fundamentals. And having students continually ask “why?” forced me to really analyze how and why I did things certain ways. That, in turn, exposed some of my own weaknesses and habits, taught me a ton about myself and helped me to grow along with my students.
Not a week goes by that I’m not learning from my students. But don’t tell them that- they’ll start charging me!
I totally agree! I look forward to going into student-mode when I visit soon and get some lessons from Mr. Powers!
I do believe we’ll both be learning during your stay out this’a'way! Can’t wait to make music with you again, Helen!
Hi Mark,
I just started reading your blog. Great article and some really nice insights. In order to help my students I also try to put myself in “student” mode as much as I can. Of course a master is still a student just further on down the endless path.
Enjoy Puerto Rico.
Welcome, Steve- thanks a ton for reading . . . and for dropping a line!
You’re right on with the “a master is still a student just further on down the endless path” comment. Most of the cats I’ve studied with are still on that path themselves, look up to their teachers and recognize that there will always be more out there to learn!
Thanks again. Hope to catch you back here again soon!
Mark,
Was just thinking about you and your travels. Glad to hear that you’re heading ‘home’ to your student mode.
I like what you said about having students continually ask ‘why?’ That always spurs me to go deeper in my own practice and to re-find out why. One of my teacher’s teachers says, ‘If you want to really learn something, teach.’ Amen.
Safe Journey!
Grace
Grace! What a great saying, and how true it is (be it in music, yoga or what-have-you). I also like how you mentioned that you “RE-find out why.” There are things in life that we have to learn more than once, and seem to really sink in the second time around. Thanks for adding that!
Hi Mark…I just discovered your blog and tweet and the very nice comments you made about my article for PAS. Thank you very much!! When I write an article I’m never sure who reads it and if drummers and others find them helpful. So, thanks alot for taking the time to comment. From reading your other comments here, and elsewhere, and comments written to you, it is my strong impression that you are a terrific drummer, teacher, and most of all, a great person. Keep up the great work, and again…thanks!
Absolutely, man! I did really enjoy your article. As a writer, I can completely relate to that feeling of wondering if anyone’s actually out there reading. And, if so, if they are taking anything of value from it.
I appreciate you swinging by to visit- hope we cross paths again soon!