Great teachers provide us wisdom to understand the complexities of our performance, career, and life. Here is some great advice imparted to Amos Miller, in one of his last lessons with Denis Wick.
What one tip did you get from Denis that stuck with you all your playing career?
In one of my last lessons with Denis Wick, he said, “Amos, you like playing tunes, and that might be an issue for you as a professional orchestral musician… In order to keep yourself happy, I would recommend that you regard your work as a master craftsperson making a cabinet: it’s not high art, but it can be beautiful in its own right. And, whilst you do that, you are being paid to sit in the best seats in the house to listen to some of the best musicians on the planet”
This has sustained me many times!
Why did you want to study with Denis?
He had such an impact on the trombone in the UK, and it was just a privilege to encounter a legend in a 1 to 1 setting.
What is your favourite recollection of a lesson with Denis?
My first lesson, when he told me to take a better breath: he demonstrated his version of a proper inhalation, and I thought things were going to fly off the shelves, such was his air power!
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