I don’t do it often and when I do, it’s usually to specify that this note is sharpen or flatten. I do not underline the dynamics or write with red ink one word comments like “Dynamics!” or “Expression”.
Why don’t I do that? I am not sure.
Maybe because I estimate that what’s written on the page is enough, that it doesn’t need more from me.
Maybe because I think that the student is smart and that I do not have to scream in his ear once he’s back at home and ready to tackle the piece.
Maybe because I don’t try to control my students. I do guide them, gently, towards their goal, but shoving knowledge down somebody’s throat is not my style.
Maybe because I respect books and never wrote in any of them, be it a novel, an essay, a self help book, or whatever.
I am not sure why I do it. And to the list of why not, I could oppose a list of why I should. But not today. I can’t think of any reasons why I should go a different direction. I think it’s fine the way I do it. People get my point during the lesson. Them and I have an understanding: let’s not make the few minutes we spend together boring.
Apparently, among music teacher, I am an exception. Which might be bad. Wait, maybe I care… Nope.
