March 2010
1 post
“When your only tool is a hammer, every problem looks like a reason to buy a way...”
– Merlin Mann
Gear infatuation runs rampant in instrumental circles (see: trumpets, trombones, and especially saxophones). In reality there is no mouthpiece, reed, or $100 thumb-rest that will replace hard work.
November 2009
3 posts
“Attack with your strengths rather than defend your weaknesses.”
– John Gruber
“If everything that goes wrong is the fault of a secret cabal, that relieves you...”
– The Economist
“If we always deny people the opportunity to be bad and wrong, we scotch their...”
– Merlin Mann
Merlin is talking about National Novel Writing Month, but I think it applies across all creative endeavors and to educational philosophy. A big part of teaching is allowing a student to learn. Giving a student no opportunity for failure gives them little opportunity for ultimate...
October 2009
2 posts
Choose Something Like a Star
by Robert Frost, 1947
O Star (the fairest one in sight), We grant your loftiness the right To some obscurity of cloud — It will not do to say of night, Since dark is what brings out your light. Some mystery becomes the proud. But to be wholly taciturn In your reserve is not allowed.
Say something to us we can learn By heart and when alone repeat. Say something! And it says “I...
