Article edited to incorporate reader response. Don't worry, the edited part stands out, you won't miss it.
The other day I was labeled 'rebellious.' Quite a shock for all
who know me…and even to me. I am one of those ‘yes’ happy-go-happy bendera-hufuata-upepo people.
I however fit into the image of that character with hidden pride, the one mentioned during church seminars. Those with the pious look, but actually pride in the
fact that they outwardly appear holy. Lots of church people have the same
problem. It is a very subtle thing and one rarely sees it creeping in(sic), like the
wasp that you’ve been seeing around but didn't know it was building a nest in your
room at the top-left corner of the ceiling. Too much info, Charles.
By the way, when your girlfriend calls you by your first
name, it could mean only two things… (refer to that Nigerian comedian for the
rest)
Where were we? Yes! Rebelious. I prefer writing in a
conversational manner. You should be able to hear me speaking to you. I dislike
extremely complex prose (most probably because I'm not good at it). I inwardly correct someone when they say primare instead of praimari. I love
simplicity, like Mathe does. For this post though,
I don’t want to be a music teacher. I was told every movie
has the title mentioned somewhere by the characters and you should watch out
for it. She (not Mathe) is the one who told me this.
Teaching music makes no sense specifically, to me. It is
redundant. I mean, music is the only art/field that one studies
so that they teach other people to become good enough to teach other people.
WTH?!
At some point in my life I decided that I want to be a performer
of music when I grow up, or should I say if. The allure of the stage and all
that attention one gets, mind you, is a sign of some inner inadequacies. We won’t
go into them right now though.
Do you realise we can’t have Eric Wainainas changing the sound
of a generation if every music lover wants to go to K.U to get a PhD in music
so that they later teach high school choirs during music festivals? A musician should
create. I know they do, but when was the last time your playlist had a music
teacher’s song favorited? No, seriously. Every great music teacher I know of,
be it Brett Manning or Kavutha is known not for their creative work, but their
teaching skills.
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| hmm...I've been thinking of getting dreadlocks...Quaint Photography |
Other than Andrew, Sautisol’s bassist, most teachers who end
up in international schools are lost in the schedules; preparing the kids for
the annual concert, teachers’ meetings and supplementing that with one-off
performances with the orchestras around Nairobi every now and then.
What’s the point of being a musician if all you do is teach?
Ever heard of 90% of the graduands from Chiromo looking for universities in which to
train other doctors?
Why should kids look up to you as a teacher if by your own example you are proving to them that their future, if they are to pursue music, is limited to becoming teachers of other kids who will be teachers of other kids who will be teachers?
I personally have chosen a better alternative. I want to be
a drug tycoon so that I sponsor really good bands and launch their careers as a
way to launder money.
I prefer being a manager. In fact, I have often said to my
Lele Ngoma band mates that they should allow me to quit and just focus on
managing them. I could also become an events organizer coming up with concepts
that can sell makers of good music. I am even willing to learn guitar and sit
cross-legged at a high traffic zone in town and sing for money. But I don’t
want to be a music teacher. In my not-so-humble view it is the death of the
musician in the individual.
p.s. Kevo, I am not brushing aside the Masters idea.
Pause...
Are music teachers important? Heo yeah! Everyone including the aliens in space know that our music industry is in dire need of musically savvy superstars. But more than teachers, it needs role models. Think about it, who inspires you to sing better? Yolanda Adams or her vocal trainer? Atemi's vocal prowess or that of her vocal trainer? John Mayer or his guitar and songwriting teacher?
