Although it was one of the longest days of teaching I've had in years, or maybe ever - 8 hours, almost straight - I can definitely say that I'm proud of my students today, and that it was a great day for me, and them. A few of my students are taking RCM exams this week. There were definitely a 'few' moments of doubt weeks ago, when scales still hadn't been learned, and rhythms were still sounding like they were backwards. I would be as fierce and as strict as I could be (hating every moment of being 'mean', or my version of it), and still not be able to get the point across about how important it was to be prepared early.
After 8 years of teaching private students, I should really know by now. And in all actuality, I should remember how I was in my younger days of music lessons (and later days really, if I'm being completely honest). These things almost never get done with time to spare. It's sometimes better to leave the student to their own devices, and trust that you've done something - everything you possibly can, aside from taking up residence in their home, to ensure that you've planted your musical seed in their minds. So someday, when they are ready, they can take that seed and nurture it into a musician plant that practices efficiently and effectively (and slowly), who enjoys working through trouble spots, who can get through the cracks into the depths of the sounds and enjoy the music for what it is, and not just for the notes on the page.
In the end, this is what's most important. To get to the point where you enjoy it, thoroughly, truly and fully - to play (battle) through the hard times and take advantage of the inspired times, and rise to the top. I'm so proud of my students for getting to this point today, especially for being proud of themselves and realizing the progress that they've made in such a short amount of time.
I'm thankful to them, for being able to share that with me - even if it's just in the knick of time. It's a magical moment to see your student as a budding young musician who realizes the power behind the music they're making. And all the while most importantly, having the time of their lives making it.
After 8 years of teaching private students, I should really know by now. And in all actuality, I should remember how I was in my younger days of music lessons (and later days really, if I'm being completely honest). These things almost never get done with time to spare. It's sometimes better to leave the student to their own devices, and trust that you've done something - everything you possibly can, aside from taking up residence in their home, to ensure that you've planted your musical seed in their minds. So someday, when they are ready, they can take that seed and nurture it into a musician plant that practices efficiently and effectively (and slowly), who enjoys working through trouble spots, who can get through the cracks into the depths of the sounds and enjoy the music for what it is, and not just for the notes on the page.
In the end, this is what's most important. To get to the point where you enjoy it, thoroughly, truly and fully - to play (battle) through the hard times and take advantage of the inspired times, and rise to the top. I'm so proud of my students for getting to this point today, especially for being proud of themselves and realizing the progress that they've made in such a short amount of time.
I'm thankful to them, for being able to share that with me - even if it's just in the knick of time. It's a magical moment to see your student as a budding young musician who realizes the power behind the music they're making. And all the while most importantly, having the time of their lives making it.
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