Part of the problem of listening to recorded music all the time is that it inevitably has the sound limitations of the can inside of which it is played back. In getting used to that one loses a lot of auditory alertness. It is, in terms of tone, negative learning.

Tone -- real, acoustical tone in all its imperfect and unpredictable presence -- is endlessly fascinating. So many elements factor into it and into our perception of it.

Sit up close whenever you can. Go to hear students play so that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get a front row seat. Students need an audience and you need to sensitize your antennae.