I have a student who is new to the saxophone (he was already quite an accomplished musician on another instrument) who has a voracious appetite for information. At every lesson, he asks questions (and good ones, I might add) about things he has read on the Internet. Unfortunately, he's getting a lot of information that is erroneous at best. Here's some guidelines that might help you:
(1) NEVER LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO DOESN'T USE THEIR REAL NAME
There's no leeway here. If you know what you are talking about, there is no reason whatsoever not to sign your name. Your real name, not some cute Internet name like "saxprick47". Hiding your identity is the equivalent to wearing a mask. People who know what they are talking about have no reason to hide.
(2) CHECK FOR CREDENTIALS
People who know what they are talking about have easily verified credentials. They are in the business full time, and have worked in the business all their life. They are not part time employees at a little music store in a small town, and they aren't players who have a day job and only perform at open mic nights. They are also not currently enrolled in any educational institution at a level below a masters degree program. People who know what they are talking about have invariably operated successful music businesses for a long time. They are usually published in international magazines and journals. Wannabes are not. The fact that they have a website means nothing. Anybody can put nup a website. If they have received any recognition, be sure it's from a legitimate organization. Being a "distinguished contributor" non somebody else's web site does not count.
(3) BE SURE THEY CAN PLAY
Here's a simple rule: never take playing advice from anyone who has not been able to support themselves (and has done so) strictly on their playing skills. This means no subsidy from girlfriends or mom and dad. No day job. No teaching down at the local junior high school. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but not many.
BUT! you say: this eliminates most of the self appointed Internet experts who post on the various discussion boards. No kidding!
Monday, July 27, 2009
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That's sound advice indeed. If people followed good advice like the one you give in this posting, they'd avoid a lot of troubles and headaches!
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