My Dad is such a downer. He always acted like as if he knows best and will try to criticise my playing when I practising my trombone. I admitted that I am not perfect, I still have a long way to go. But, he RARELY ever compliment or praise me. I guessed he do not like my music. If I have a professional concert someday in the future,my Dad will be in my list of 'top 10 not welcomed guests'.

You see, there are two types of audience.

#1 Are the ones who would really appreciate the long hours of practice and hard work that the players have spent. They would not really care too much about the minor mistakes and enjoy the concert. I mean, even the professional players make some minor mistakes sometimes,it's normal.

#2 Are the ones who are the opposite of the type 1 people. They criticise almost EVERYTHING that the players make during their performances. They would try to sound nice by not being too direct about their comments( unless the playing is really too horrible), but it is actually quite obvious that they are criticising the players judging from the way they talk.

My Dad is among one of those people in #2. But he's more direct. He only seemed to see the bad side of me. Sometimes his genius mind would pick up on unimportant 'mistakes' which are not really consider as mistakes. For instance, he said that my breathing before playing is too loud. Duh~! This room only has you and I. I am the only one playing an instrument here, of course you can hear my breathing because it is so quiet. And it will not really affect much of the quality of performance anyway. Professional players also breathe quite loud sometimes in order to take in the maximum amount of air.

I recently got my grade 6 trombone practical result. I was so delighted to know that I got a distinction. My Dad seemed please for a while. Then he asked me if I have taken the musical theory examination as well . I said No. " Theory is the one which is most important. Without it you will not be able to go anywhere. Your practical certificate will not help much(useless in a way)" he replied.

I understood that theory is important, I am planning to take it soon. But it doesn't mean that the practical examination is worthless. I am not planning to be a teacher anyway, I only need to know the essential knowledge to play. To me, I think that both examinations are EQUALLY important. Practical examination prove the skills you have in the instrument you play and theory prove your wide knowledge of music. Together with these, you will be a good instrumentalist. However, my genius Dad think otherwise.

I doubt anyone will read this post, I am doing this purely just to release my anger.

I hate it. School is starting soon.

DChow

DChow