If you are someone who leads studio classes or is a frequent participant in one, this is for you! So how valuable are they?
A. Very
B. Meh
C. Waste of time
D. Destructive
E. All or none of the above
Well, okay- some days, as a viola professor and leader of these weekly classes I see how some positive feedback can be and is extremely helpful to the performer and even to some or all of the participants. Of course it ALL depends on the objectivity and wording of the critiques as to how much value can be gained from the comments.
How often have you witnessed people saying certain things that seem completely irrelevant to the performance or even actually false- only because they feel like they need to say SOMETHING but don’t know what to say. Maybe the person offering the feedback is dealing themselves with a particular issue so that’s all they can address even though it might have nothing to do with the performer’s performance! Or they’ve heard other people say the same things to a different performer that sounded impressive for them to say, as well. That honestly drives me crazy-especially if it’s a negative comment that only diminishes the already nervous performer’s sense of compromised confidence and empowerment. And if that comment happens to be true, then HOPEFULLY it will be said in a completely constructive and who knows- even in an inspiring way that will help the performer (and other participants) take a new and improved look at the issue.
Ok, rant over. Have a great day everyone! 🙂
