I Don't Want to be a Music Teacher

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.

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?