It happens that musicians with excellent specialized education call me and arrange a consultation.
Often, when asked, “Tell me a little about yourself,” a person begins to list their education, from music school to their most recent place of study.
Some people are quick to talk about it, while others, on the contrary, are simply trying to show off.
If I hear that a person starts talking about his education in an arrogant tone, I end the conversation.
Like, I studied piano at a music school for 7 years, then I entered a music college, where I studied music for another three years, after which I went to study at a pedagogical institute for 5 years, and now I’ve been studying at the conservatory for 4 years. And I also have diplomas from this, that, and the other.
In this vein, or something like this, my conversation will boil down to the fact that education (even from very good educational institutions) does not define you as a specialist.
And here’s why:
You KNOW a lot – perhaps (assuming you studied well).
You CAN do a lot – unlikely (the practical training at colleges is frankly “poor”).
If anyone has the illusion that because I’m so cool, having studied and continue to study everywhere, that I’m much better than self-taught or untrained musicians, that’s a mistake.
Practical musicians have experience performing on stages that are scary to imagine.
There is a practice of public speaking in institutes. But this is a kindergarten, not a concert. The audience is prepared, musically savvy, the performance script has been rehearsed several times, everyone knows everything – all that’s left is to do their job. If you perform at such concerts, you’re not prepared for serious events. You will be swept away along with your regalia and diplomas as soon as you appear on stage anywhere else.
I have more respect for people who, in addition to their internships at institutes, go into the field. Performing at real events in clubs and bars isn’t something every college musician can do. “To smell gunpowder, to be on the front lines” – that’s what you need. Don’t just sit back at social events where you’re unlikely to be told the truth because you’re surrounded by sycophants just like you.
If you consider yourself a true professional, then when you come to another specialist for help in ignorant matters, shove away your beautiful words about training and phantom experience and become a student again.
If you’re a composer and you’ve come to a sound engineer for training, shut up and listen!
If you’re a guitarist and you want to learn from a vocal coach, shut up and listen!
If you’re a drummer and suddenly have the opportunity to study with another drummer of a higher caliber, shut up and listen!
You will always create problems for yourself if you show up in someone else’s monastery with your own rules.
Advice: Respect your teachers, regardless of age, experience, or education. If you came to study, shut your mouth and LISTEN!
