I Am the Drummer of a Never Ending Jazz Ensemble

I recently read the book "He's the Weird Teacher" by Doug Robertson.  During one of the first chapters, he talks about his philosophy as a teacher.  I don't want to give away his "secret" and I encourage you to read the book.  Great investment or time and money!

I did take his idea and adjusted it for my own situation.  What I really liked about his philosophy is that it is simple and not a cliche.

I Am the Drummer of a Never Ending Jazz Ensemble

Being part of a Jazz Ensemble is something special.  Music has its own language and being part of an ensemble takes cooperation, listening and improvisation.  Improvisation is a great philosophy for learning.  A joke in college when I was just learning how to play Jazz was that you are only a half step away from the right note.  Learning is the same way.  We try things and mess up and although we feel we are far from being "right," we are only a half step from figuring it out.

I am the drummer.  I am the leader.  I set the tone.  I set the tempo.  I set the mood.  All of these characteristics are true for the drummer in a band and the teacher.  

Learning is a never ending journey.  This is the greatest gift we can give students and people in general.  Learning has no finish line.