Airport Scott and Different Points of View
My family does not like to travel with me. They really don't.
When we go on trips, they openly encourage me to take a different flight to our destination. I used to think they were just kidding, but it turns out they are not. Apparently, I am not the easiest person to travel with. If you are to believe my family (and you shouldn't), as soon as I hit the economy lot at the airport, I become a different person.
My family calls him "Airport Scott."
Airport Scott doesn't mean to be unpleasant or difficult. And he GENUINELY apologizes when he leaves the family behind at security with all of the luggage. Airport Scott doesn't mean to roll his eyes at people who don't understand that traffic flow in a concourse is the same as the freeway, slow people to the right. He tries not to mock his children as they peruse the gift stores or fall prey to the $4.00 bottles of water.
Sure, he mumbles under his breath about people who think their children should fly free as therapy animals, but in his defense, he does it quietly. And yes, he REALLY DOES TRY be tolerant when the person ahead of him in the security line asks, "Can I bring this water through here?" To which he WANTS to respond, "NOT FOR THE PAST TWENTY-TWO YEARS!"
Yes, Airport Scott can be intolerant. It's not because he wants to be; it's just that he and his family have fundamentally different perspectives when it comes to travel. My wife and two boys see it as a leisurely activity full of fun and adventure, whereas I see it as an unpleasant byproduct of doing the job I love. I am working. They are vacationing.
Same activity. Different perspectives.
I wonder if the same might be said for music: same activity, different perspectives.
As life-long music educators, our goal is to create life-long music makers. We work at it; it's our job. Our extensive training and daily regimen ensure that we correct every wrong note and right every wrong rhythm. We focus on every musical detail and try to deliver instruction in a nuanced way. Hours are spent reviewing literature, and concepts are taught using the latest pedagogical practices. Day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year, we try to up our game and advance our ensembles.
This is our life's work, and we see it as more than a profession but our passion and purpose. There is no time to dawdle, see the sights, or consider that those we share our space and our lives with might have a different point of view.
As a teacher, more times than not, I was Airport Scott.
There is nothing wrong with high standards and energy. Efficiency and efficacy are essential. And there is something beautiful and admirable about a well-run classroom. But, it is worth considering that people travel with different baggage and operate at different speeds. They have other destinations and are not always interested in shorter trips or non-stop flights.
Te reasons students participate in music are as varied as the students themselves. And, before you ask that question, you have to decide that whatever their answer is, it is the correct one for them. The is a place in music for those who are studious and can see themselves in music beyond high school. But, there needs to also be a place for someone with less musical aspirations or skills. A place for someone like... me.
Yes, all of your students will end up in the same place, eventually. They just might not get there at the same time or via the same route. For some, music is a calling and or profession. For others, it's a fun-filled leisurely activity.
Trust me. I know it can be frustrating traveling with those who do not share your vision, plan, or sense of purpose. But my family would tell you that it is even MORE frustrating traveling with someone who has no patience or empathy for those who do not see the airport as I do.
Take it from me, regardless of your perspective, it is better to travel with those who are different, than to travel alone.
Have a great week, and remember to enjoy the journey.
- Scott
p.s. Yes, Airport Scott is not a lot of fun, but Martini Scott is a blast!