Hi from Shanghai

Written by Bonny Buckley
Published: November 5, 2009 at 7:58 AM [UTC]

A few random blog bites from Shanghai:

One student decided to call me Mrs. Broccoli so she could remember my name. I really don’t mind if it helps her remember. Humor is good! Western teachers have just as much trouble remembering Korean names. I’m also frequently called ‘mister’ by mistake, which I also laugh at and ask if I really look like a mister! Maybe the best nickname of all came from a boy who couldn't speak a word of English yet, who called me "Ba-ba-ke-ke-li" which was great!

I feel lucky to teach the international language of music.

Outside of work I’ve been playing the Schumann Sonata in d minor for Piano and Violin with a friend who is in residence until late December.

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on November 5, 2009 at 10:38 PM

Greetings,

`IHave you ever had a personal setback that made you question everything you do? When you make some kind of gigantic personal blunder what do you do? `

Yep. I lie under a futon and binge on junk food.

For me, I udnerstand all this very well as I am in a soemwhat similar situation. The most importnat thing is to keep a balance in your life. It becomes very easy to neglect exericse, intelectual stimualtion and spiritual practice (whatever that si) outside of the violin if one becomes too heticified . Shanghai is somewhat notorious for hustle and bustle witghout time for deep reflection and stepping back for passive growth. I am always amazed by the Stern movie `Mozart to Mao.` In the main movie the studnets are humble, willing to learn and bowled over with reverencve for art. In the postcrit material Stern goes back twenty years later and the studnets are shallow arrogant, trendy, facile and er modern. Somewghhat like the rest of the world in fact.......;)

I think it is probably really importnat to take a decent time out to check your roots with family etc. Then you can sway in the wind knowing all is well.

Take care,

Buri

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Hi from Shanghai

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