Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Freshman Interdiscipline Studies (FIS) Temple University 1976, Christmas party; Al Finck was one of 8 or so professors who attended this gala along with attendending all lectures...other professors included Toby Olson, Robert Weinberg, Muller, Goldberger?...
Having declared myself a psychology major influenced by Al Finck's brilliance infused with Groucho Marx's wit and humor, I struggled the 1st semester of my freshman year from tricky multiple choice tests and adjusting to college life.
At the close of the 1st semester of freshman year my bluegrass band, Southbound Freight performed at the FIS party. As the guitarist and leader of my band Al approached me during a set break. And in one convincing honest simple sentence said the following: "you might want to consider music as a career." Flattered and flustered I took in what he said but did not understand the gravity of the comment. Initially I had a negative thought..."this psych professor doesn't think I have the mind for a career in psychology."...but 40 years later having lived a wonderful life as a professional musician he was telling me the truth: "you got the 'goods' kid...go for it". So I did. I studied with Al's teacher Denis Sandoli; studied with Joe Sgro and Pat Martino. In fact if there was an Italian guitar teacher in Philadelphia chances are I studied with him. And along the way I picked up a great skill: piano craftsmanship. And professionally it's all worked out....thanks to Al and the positive comment he made at that fateful Christmas party 41 years ago.
I had the good fortune to visit Al and Lila about 2 years ago when on a whim I reached out to personally express my graditude to Al. I wouldn't have had the courage to pursue a career in music had it not been for him and for that reason I am eternally grateful for the wisdom he imparted to me, his psychology student with a passion for music that he recognized instantly.
1500 Old York Road, Abington, PA
