Steven,
Whoo hoo! Thank you for the calm, reasoned, objective & most of all,
COURTEOUS response to this issue which is becoming a bit tedious! Ha ha ha!
But, seriously, I'm happy to answer anyone's concerns & questions about my
experiences with Smiley & his development system. I'll respond to a few of
your remarks below trying to include new information to avoid redundancy.
Steven: For ME, what worked was years of practice using what is
fundamentally the Farkas method and correcting my numerous faults in
embouchure day by day until my technique was close to as he described.
Val: Bless your heart! I admire your perseverance. Perhaps those years
could have been less frustrating had you known what Smiley took many years
to figure out as well. He doesn't claim to have the "only way" or an
"instant way", just an easier way. But, it still takes work and lots of it.
I practice my fanny off nearly every day as I did in my college years so
long ago. The difference now is that it's less frustrating & more
productive because my embouchure is more efficient. (Not perfect, just
better!)
Steven: It is easy to understand the skepticism surrounding Smiley's work,
however, as it can appear (as another lister stated earlier) to be a "get
rich quick" scheme for brass players.
Val: I can understand it, too, I was once a skeptic myself. Im SO glad
you brought this up. I know that Smiley isn't planning to get rich from the
sale of his book. When I first read about Smiley's website, I went to my
local music store to buy the book. They didn't have it & couldn't even get
it for me. I emailed Smiley and asked why his book wasn't available in my
local music store. He answered that he doesn't mass market "The Balanced
Embouchure" because he wants to stay as personally involved as possible in
the progress of everyone who buys the book. And when I did order the book,
he said he was looking forward to "working with me." Now that was a
surprise! In other words, he's selling his book to ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
and offering follow up help for no charge. Now one may call this "hand
holding" or something else, but knowing this, no one can honestly call
Smiley a "charleton" with a "get rich quick scheme." I call Smiley a very
sincere music teacher passionately interested in the success of his students
& his method. With the success that comes from using his method and knowing
of his integrity & humility, it's easy to see why those who follow his
program are so satisfied AND loyal. [As amazing is is seems, I'm sure
someone on this list will find something nasty to say about this, too!]
Steven: I believe that it is very important as both a student and a teacher
to be able to examine different points of view and select those that work,
and even if this discussion has gotten heated, I (as a usually silent
hornlister) am still glad to read it.
Val: Very good point! Thanks for breaking your silence to join the fray!
:o) I do appreciate the opportunity to further clarify misconceptions about
Jeff Smiley & his work.
Sincerely, Valerie
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