Teachers

I was at times a pretty mediocre piano student. At times, better than mediocre. Looking back, I’ve wondered why my teachers weren’t a bit harsher—it’s almost like I got this watered-down version of the dope, because they thought I didn’t care. I kind of acted like I didn’t.

But I did! I just didn’t know how to care properly at that point. (And for many years thereafter. Working on it now.) Years after I left him, my adolescent teacher (I call him this because he had me from ages 11 through 16–my most formative teacher by a mile) was surprised when I got back in contact and asked for a lesson. He was pretty shocked that I had a life in music. Pretty sure he expected me to follow my father into the law, and so no need to bear down on me. Keep it pleasant. I’m very pleasant to be around if I find you pleasant, and was then, as well.

My teacher here on the 26th of May is Matthieu Ricard. He’s teaching me dharma and meditation. I’m a better student now than I was thirty years ago. I am also getting the straight dope. It’s nice to know.

N.B. Adolescent teacher gave me a lot of straight dope that has allowed me to have a life in music. Not trying to diminish that. He just held back, that’s all.