But here are some things that I've really been reflecting on...I started playing horn 13 years ago, in 2003, and I remember knowing nothing about brass, but being totally obsessed with the horn. I remember teaching myself a lot about the horn, some of it wrong, some of it right. I remember not being able to play low or high on the horn well, and having major endurance issues. I remember having such a hard time playing technically difficult parts. As I got to college and those problems were resolved, new problems came up, such as having issues with tension and breathing. Now, I'm an extremely relaxed & efficient player who maximizes my air usage and can cover a huge range with minimal difficulty, and can play a good majority of the technically demanding music put in front of me. I mean...wow. I mean, I know I'm not a super-great player compared to other pros out there, but man, I can sure do a lot of things on the horn that I wasn't able to do before...and I've only realized it recently...how much I've come from the beginning of horn playing.
And it's not just with horn playing. My ability to conduct has greatly improved, which I accredit to my training at UWM with John Climer and Scott Corley. I remember before that, conducting was so awkward, and I always messed patterns up and didn't express anything but tempo. But as I lead my horn ensemble and brass choir every week, and as I teach my high school students how to conduct, I'm realizing how much more natural it is for me to conduct. It's just...amazing.
And my teaching ability has improved, although I think that out of all the music-related things I do, teaching is what needs the most improvement. Teaching at a high level is just as difficult as performing at a high level, and needs just as much experience. Not only do I want to teach the right stuff (and a lot of it) to my students, I also want to leave a good impression, both for myself and in the name of music. Anyone with musical training can teach music lessons, but the really good teachers are ones who leave an extremely good impression and impact on the musical careers of his or her students, and sends students into the real world with the most preparation that they could possibly get. Good teachers leave positive legacies. It's my personal goal to make Whidbey Island one of those places that cranks out all of these amazing young brass players that audition into the top music schools, and always have representative at State Solo & Ensemble and honor bands/orchestras.
Nonetheless, I feel like I'm heading in the right direction with teaching. I know that I treat my students and their families well, which is evident in their attitude towards me and towards lessons. I know I'm teaching them lots of great stuff, and I've got plenty more to teach. I feel like I still need to improve in expanding my literature knowledge, as well as improving my skill on trumpet, trombone and tuba to be a better model for my kids. And there are still certain personalities and technical issues that I need to get more comfortable with, which I think experience can help with.
I accredit the teaching knowledge I have already to all of my college brass teachers. Man, I've learned so much from them! Most of the stuff I say to my students every day are things I was told by my teachers at one point...what could I have done without those great teachers?
But the most impressive thing to think about for me and Holly is where we are at in our careers. I mean, it hasn't been too hard for Holly, since she's such a good job candidate in her field because she's so good at it, that she can get a job whenever and whereever she wants. But she's already established herself so well at her job and is extremely well-liked. For me, after undergraduate school I didn't know what exactly to do to make it as a free-lancer, so I didn't do too well financially. After that, going to graduate school gave me a vast new knowledge and experience, but even when that was done, I wasn't thriving in the music world. There was a period of time after I got my Master's where I wasn't making any money with music and I felt like I wasn't going to go anywhere with a music career. But moving to Whidbey Island was a huge plus, and I was aggressive and proactive in finding work and making money to support my family. Now, after living back in Oak Harbor for 16 months, I've got 27 students, I'm playing principal horn of a regional orchestra, I direct 2 ensembles that I started myself, and I'm successfully selling compositions and arrangements on this site and Sheet Music Plus...
...Man, I've come a long way...and I'm thankful that I am here now.
I invite you guys reading this to reflect on your careers and share in a comment on here. It would be great to hear from you.
Take care and value music.