dow wrote:Man, that would be great. Not an option for me, though. I've looked a few times, and there just doesn't seem to be anyone within reasonable driving distance (especially with gas creeping up again) for me to get to. That would definitely increase my motivation, though, as well as helping me to develop some clear, concise goals and direction to my playing... something that's lacking at this point, other than "I'd like to play like that guy"
Great words, Loren!
Off hand, I don't know of anyone who might be "hiding in plain sight" in your area, but perhaps someone else out there will see you post and PM you.
If not, I do have a suggestion, as a possible alternative for you, or others who may be in a similar situation:
For many years I taught the Martial Arts, first at my father's school, and then later at my own school. It was quite common for us to arrange seminars with highly regarded instructors from around the world: We would generate enough interest amoung our students, and in some cases students from other schools in the area as well, that we could sign enough students up to pay a famous instructor to come to town for a one or two day seminar.
Typically the school wouldn't make much, or any money on the deal, because after covering our promotional costs, and paying airfare, food and accomodations expenses for the visiting instructor, little remained of what we collected from the students who paid to attend the seminar. However, the perk for us, as the hosting instructors, was that the visiting instructor would work with us for a number of hours privately, essentially private lessons in a style different from our own, or at a higher level than we were currently at in a particular style/system. Most times we'd fly the instructor in late on a Thursday or early on a Friday. Then we'd get our private training on Friday afternoon/evening, with the public seminar being on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Most instructors enjoyed the travel, particularly if you live somewhere warm in the winter, or a place that is beautiful or unique in the warmer months.
I suspect, that with a little effort, it wouldn't be difficult, or terribly expensive to do the same with a good ITM instructor or two. I realize the format I mentioned above might not work where there are very few flute/whistles players, however another approach would be to consider getting 3-8 people together to spit the expenses to bring someone in for a day or two of long private lessons. If you time buying the plane ticket right, and have someone with a (nice) extra bedroom who can put the instructor up for a night or two, then you only have the instructor's fee, a $300. or so plane ticket, and what.....$50-$60 in food expenses? I should think that a half dozen or so people could get away with spending around $150. each (give or take a little) for a two hour lesson. With the right instructor and a recording device, plus the relationship you develop with that teacher (the ability to call or email with questions, and perhaps, for an additional occasional fee, the option of sending tapes back and forth), it seems like a pretty good deal to me.
(Just as a point of reference, I pay $50 and hour and travel 2 hours in each direction, for my lessons. The local big name ITM Mandolin/Guitar teacher charges $70 and hour, so $150. for a couple of hours of private instruction is right in the ball park.)
I realize that not many people will be motivated to try this approach, but I can tell you from LOTS of experience, it really isn't that difficult or time consuming to make happen. In addition, you get to spend quite a bit of extra time with the teacher you bring to town, which often proves to be an valuable learning experience in and of itself, as you'll often learn quite about about history and other non-technical experiences. Best of all, you often make long term friendships with some really wonderful people (both tearhers and students), and in the process you are strengthening your own local scene. All potentially huge positives, with very few negatives - you simply have to make certain you choose an instructor who has a good reputation as a teacher, and trackrecord of showing up, on time, and sober (don't laugh, it can happen.) Also, you have to make sure to collect the money from those who "commit" to participate PRIOR to buying the plane ticket, as people have a way of bailing at the last minute if they aren't already paid up in advance.
As they say "where there's a will there's a way"......
Loren
