though he didn ’ t confess that to us until a few years later – but the tone was set . There would be no room for attitude , pride , or entitlement in his eyes . Feedback would be instant , direct , and brutally honest . Praise would be earned and deserved . It ’ s these principles that changed the way I learned as a student , and that continue to resonate in my teaching philosophy today .
While it ’ s imperative not to break a student ’ s spirit , learning is optimized when they have an accurate sense of reality and perspective . Students aren ’ t necessarily used to hearing the truth , which can often be diluted within our politically correct society . But their potential for growth will improve dramatically once an open and honest dialogue has been established .
The main reason I bring my students to events like the Berklee HSJF is so they can hear what other students their age have accomplished . It ’ s the same reason I play them the recording of an eighteen-year-old Lee Morgan soloing on “ Dizzy Gillespie at Newport ”. The exposure opens their eyes to new possibilities , and leaves them inspired and hungry to return to the woodshed . I have each student write a reflection detailing the perspective they gained from such experiences , and then update their personal goals accordingly .