S01E08 - Frank Morelli

Bassoonist/Master Teacher, Frank Morelli, talks about his mentors/role models and how he came to classical music through the back door.  While in high school playing the saxophone, he first thought he was going to be an engineer, later he went off to college pursuing a major in music education.  His focus and determination on self-improvement lead him to write a letter to the professor of bassoon and transferring to the Manhattan School of Music (MSM).  While at MSM his focus changed and his abilities grew.  Dr. Morelli shares the secret of his success as a student and the tools for all students to be successful.  As a master teacher he discusses his student-centered teaching philosophy and how he continues to focus on improving his teaching skills.  He talks about the audition process for schools, the purpose for taking a lesson before the audition with possible teachers, and what he looks and listens for in a student.  He offers timeless advice to all musicians for finding their own career path and how he measures his own success as a teacher.