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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
 Posted - 07/01/2002 : 01:59:18 AM
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I want to share my experience with the hope that it might inspire someone else. About a year ago I was moaning about having to fly to Hawaii to get lessons. (Not that it's so bad to be in Hawaii, just that I can't afford the frequent flier routine.) Then I heard that George Kahumoku was in my general area for a while and got in touch with him.
I've been working with George most weeks (except when he's on tour) for 2 or 3 hours a week. (Well, it's expensive but still cheaper than lots of airfare. I dohave to trade going to George's or Keola's camp. BUT......
Working with George has become one of the most significant experiences in my life. George is really a patient and supportive teacher -- an absolute incarnation of Aloha. At times it was really hard, and I wanted to give up. And at times I was frustrated with George, and I'm sure he was very frustrated with me. But George is so good a teacher that he gently supported me to hang in there.Now we're working on me developing my own style, while making sure I'm still staying in touch with the tradition. I have learned so much about guitar playing, and so much more that can't be put into words. (And George says he looks forward to the sessions, too.)
So, based on my experience, I would super highly recommend finding some player you respect and "signing up" for a long haul. Sort of like the old master/apprectice system.
As for me, I just found out George gonna be in town for another year.
Auwe!
Raymond
San Jose, CA
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1579 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2002 : 3:28:27 PM
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Gee, I almost feel guilty because most folks around the mainland don't have an opportunity like this, but my half-hour per week with Patrick Landeza has been really important in helping me feel confident that I'm not abusing the traditions. In that half hour he can easily give me more material than I can absorb in a week, in fact I'm taking some time off to try to catch up with earlier lessons, but it's worth the stress to know that if I do something that's NOT SLACK KEY Patrick will let me know.
It's hard to imagine two or three hours of lessons a week - I think I'd meltdown.
Fran
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2002 : 6:51:12 PM
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Actually the longer time makes it more relaxed, at least for me.
I think your point about "if its not slack key" is interesting. I guess it's not something I worry about a lot. I tell people I play slack key, and slack-key inspired other stuff. I think respecting the tradition also includes knowing when I'm deviating and taking responsibility for that. I'm not going to leave any lasting mark on the history of music, much less the history of Hawaiian music. I'm not Hawaiian and I experience my own unique influences on my musical sensibilities. I don't have he rhythms of the sea in my blood,etc. and I don't want to play like Gabby, or Sonny or Ozzie or George. I want to sound like me. So... I don't think there's anything wrong with bringing in a Latin beat, or an influence from fado, or samba, or palm wine music, etc. (I can get all heady about this and talk about vaquiero influence, Portuguese influences on Sonny, etc. Or how Gabby departed from the old ways as exhibited by Auntie Alice. But with less years left in my life than years I have already lived, I just don't care for that kind of discussion anymore.) I play what sounds good to me. George helps me refine and develop the direction I want to take a song in. George often makes his own suggestions. We have our discussions more by listening to each other play, respecting each others' playing, which includes my respecting George's vast knowledge and skills. Respect means listening and taking seriously. Sometimes it also means disagreement. Most of the time it means learning from each other.
I'm rambling. Sorry.
Raymond
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Master/Apprentice???
