Description:

Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Associate Professor of Keyboard Collaborative Arts and Keyboard Studies at the University of Southern California, talks about the recording industry and competition circuit search for perfect mechanical playing. However, Fitz-Gerald points out that individuals often forget the essence of performing arts. Fitz-Gerald also explains that young people are afraid of being themselves. Instead, they settle for being average. Also in this segment, Fitz-Gerald discusses a good teacher. A good teacher draws on what the student already has. He shares that when he takes students from other teachers, he often must undo styles or sounds that have been imposed on the student. Fitz-Gerald also suggests making the best of one's strong points and building up one's weak points.