Branford Marsalis tells the Truth!

[TUBAD83]

Really off-topic, bad answer to the question that was asked of him. The question wasn't "what do you think about students today?", it was "What have you learned from your students?" Yes, some students today have a problem with a sense of entitlement, but name a time when this wasn't a problem. If he truly hasn't learned anything from his students, then the students may not be the problem. I have never seen him teach, but if he's ONLY telling his students how bad they are, then I would understand how he thinks they have an attitude problem.

My next question to Branford would have been "So why do you have them as students? Why take their money and waste your time and theirs if you think so poorly of them?" If you are going to be a teacher, be a REAL one--correct the mindset or send them on their way. I also think its really unprofessional to speak badly of your students in public--it makes you look bad as well as your students.

As far as kids of today are concerned, the young people I meet, for the most part, are good, respectful, hard working folk. Yes there are some lazy self absorbed brats out there (way over represented on TV of course) but let us be careful not to demonize an entire generation over the actions of a few (remember, the same thing was said about your generation when YOU were young...you do remember that far back right???).

JJ

[PMeuph]

I feel that his answer was too much of a political statement and not an answer. From what I know, he has been teaching at a university level for the for the past 15 years or so. If he feels the system is such bullshit and the students are so "full of ****" why hasn't he done any thing to rectify the situation. He could create a private school that would move away from the "grade" and "degree" ineptitudes that the his essentially ranting about. I would assume that someone with his authority on Jazz (he is one of the major figures in jazz, and his name is a household name in the US) would have the influence and power to start his own "school."

(I will watch the rest of the movie to find out if he does propose any alternatives...)

[The Jackson]

I can only speak for myself. I found his comments to be very helpful. What I've tried to do since the first time I saw that video was try to be more self-aware in all things I do and really catch myself when I'm trying to bee-ess myself or others. I want to make sure that I'm held accountabilty for all the things in the realm of my grasp. For example, the first thing I really wanted to get rid of was blaming my tuba playing problems on my mouthpiece and other pieces of equipment.

[swillafew]

One can earn a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies at the school where he teaches. Just something to ponder...