One of the most disconcerting things about having Rick Fielding as a teacher was you would finally get something and he would say, "Great, now --"; or "That's great, but now it's old news!! Let's try this!" He would never let you sit back and bathe in the glory of having got something done right. I am still not sure if a smidgen of glory bathing is not a good idea, but it was certainly bracing. For someone like me who was incredibly timid about doing anything new, it was really challenging.

Actually, the best thing I learned from him was not to give a shit if you pick up a new instrument and just play it, even if it sounds like crap. I was a total purist -- unless I am going to sound like Chopin the first time I sit down at the piano, forget it! -- but you never knew when you came in for a lesson what the hell you might end up playing. I don't think I have ever felt weirder in my life than finding myself playing a dulcimer, or a Cajun accordion, or a tin whistle, or a washboard -- so much for the total purist! Now there is absolutely nothing I won't give a try on, and at least a few chords or whatever. My house is littered with all kinds of weird musical stuff, mbiras, whistles, tambourines, harmonicas, none of which I can play at all well, but what the hell!! (thanks, Rick for the mess!)

yours,

Peter T.