The Author, David Jones, has a class for singers and teachers in his studio. Duing the class he brings up the issue
of emotional abuse by vocal teachers. Eventually this becoms a lively discussion by both the teachers and singers.
He has also discussed this with a psychologist who relates that abuse is not limited to either America or the Vocal profession. She relates that teachers are people that we, as children and as a society are people that we look up to as professionals and guides and a form of support. Emotional Abuse happens when teachers are seen as a higher power, or the ultimate authority in a student''s life.
Not only is this a struggle for both teacher and student, it gets in the way of any instruction and not much is achieved other than meeting the needs of the
instructor. An
emotionally needy teacher is like a sponge and is constantly absorbing and therefore is constantly draining the student and not providing much in return for the student.
He goes on to point out in so many words that we are only able to give what we have, or we can only share and teach others what we ourselves know or are in the process of knowing. This holds true for emotional fulfillment as well as vocal instruction and in fact in everything we attempt to give to others
Emotional abuse can actually prevent a student from achieving his or her best, vocally , and in fact in whatever subject is being taught, because abusive teachers are needing the student to stay with them and be a life student, this stunts the student''s growth and can affect them the rest of their life.
He ends by pointing out the coure can be brought about by continuing to be open and have a desire to continue learning, not matter what it takes. Getting out of the abusive environment and being encouraged in what may have become emotionally crippling, takes time and patience on the part of an emotionally healing instructor, but it is possible.