I feel that these things should be taught. I also feel as if the student
should be shown, (in their favorite styles of music), where these basics are
in the context of the music they listen to the most.
You can't teach someone how to feel the music, but you can guide them by
providing them with tools to use, and showing them how others have used them,
and opening them up to music they never heard before.
As far as practicing everything in all 12 keys, all the time, I don't believe
in doing that, but I also feel that you should be able to PLAY in all 12
keys. So I believe that students should learn their arpeggios, scales and
such in all 12 keys. I am frequently asked to transpose on recording
sessions, to some not too common keys, like Gb, or Db, and because I can play
in those keys, I can continue to work in recording.
I've always believed that if you learn new musical information, (the essence
of practice), you will improve. To make this essence a reality, we play with
others, transcribe and jam, ( the other forms of practice), to try out these
ideas.
Getting the "essence of practice" across to young players is a very good
method of learning, not the only one, but one idea I have been succesfull
with, regardless of style they wish to play.
Sincerely,
MARK A CORRADETTI
NASHVILLE