Lesson and Master Class

Earlier this week I had the chance to have a private tuba lesson with Gene Pokorny of the Chicago Symphony. It was possibly the most amazing musical experience I've ever had. I mean, we're talking about a guy who had lessons with Arnold Jacobs and Tommy Johnson. If you play tuba and don't know Arnold Jacobs, got online and do some research. Tommy Johnson, well, if you've ever watched movie then you've heard him play...

Anyway, aside from improving my playing hand and foot within a day, Gene had some really interesting things to say about music education. He of course is not a music educator, at least not full time, but he values music education. At the end of a two hour masterclass he took a minute to talk to us, and he told us, "You music education majors are on holy ground." He explained to us that the reason he went into music in the first place was that he had been in a high school program of only 25 kids, a measly one percent of his school participated in band! As he progressed in his education he eventually decided to become a performer instead, but he holds educators in high regards, and gives master classes and guest lectures when possible, as his way of giving back.

I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to have a lesson and master class with such an experienced, talented, and humble performer as Gene Pokorny.