You make some valid points, most of which can be summed up in the old
Teacher's College principle:
"Those who can, do; those who cannot, teach; and those who can't
teach teach others to teach."
Many Educators denigrate those who learn mere content, preaching that they
are learning facilitators and that mastery of the subject matter is
unnecessary. I know, for I used to teach at the high school level, and my
wife is an elmentary school teacher. This is one reason that the public
schools have done such a miserable job. Few teachers in most school systems
have ever mastered their subjects, especially in technical or artistic
fields. They have, instead, been encouraged and/or compelled to use their
time absorbing the latest fad in education.
I was also an active flight instructor for about 12 years, so I recognize
the difference between competence in the subject and the BS that passes for
qualifications in the school system. If a flight instructor is not an
extremely competent pilot, someone is going to have a really bad day.
As an adult student, you have the opportunity to select your teacher. This
means that you have the chance, and the responsibility to yourself, to be
certain that the individual you go to has mastered the instrument you wish
to study. The person you study with should be able to perform on the harp,
and should be able to play the type of music you want to perform.
Fortunately, though there are not that many harpists around, there is a
large percentage of decent musicians who do perform for a living.
I have had my share of problems with harp teachers. Frankly, most of the
problems were my own fault, for I went to the closest person around without
regard to their experience or background. I have realized that I am not
gifted enough to ever become a decent musician without help, but I have
become VERY selective in choosing a principal teacher.
It appears to me that some time spent with a competent instructor will
greatly speed the learning process. I really recommend that you take the
time necessary to find someone who can provide the help you need to get
started easily.
Good Luck!
Howard
Howard
hbryan@pipeline.com