We wrapped up our summer session on August 21st, and after a family vacation this past week, I am back and moving full bore into planning for the 2020-21 school year session. It is such an exciting time as I get ready to welcome new students to the studio, and make individualized plans for each current student to pursue his or her musical goals. As I've spent a little time thinking about each student, a couple of things have jumped out at me:
1) Watching students develop and progress is such a privilege. They each learn and grow in different ways and at different speeds, but the great thing is they DO progress. One of my younger students has had a tough time with learning to read the notes, but has been so determined and hardworking. This student came to lessons one week and said, "I haven't practiced this week because ... " summer life got in the way. I said it was okay and we started to work on the composition project and some theory. Then I said we would go over the assigned piece and I'd help with whatever needed work. So the student opened the book, got ready, and played the piece all the way through, missing just two notes. I was astounded. I asked, "You really haven't practiced all week?" The answer was no, not at all. I then pointed out that this student had just sightread the whole piece, which was met with a sweet little smile. Progress had been happening all along, even when it wasn't always apparent on the surface. Perseverance helps us accomplish some amazing things in piano and in life!
2) Some of my students use a method book that starts beginners off with rote pieces, or pieces that they learn to play by watching and imitating me. Just like kids learn to talk and use more complicated words than they can read, they learn to play things that their brains and fingers can process, even when they can't yet read all those notes. In order to play these pieces, the kids have to learn and remember patterns, which become more complicated as they move through the book. The connections and brain wiring that are taking place while they play are a huge benefit of lessons, and I've decided that all of my students will learn at least a couple of rote pieces this coming year.
3) The compositions are in and I couldn't be more pleased. I will write another post about the composition project in a week or two, when I have the kids' work compiled into their booklets. But just let me say that watching them create a melody, make creative choices about harmony, articulation, dynamics, tempo, and titles was so much fun. They are learning to sit down and create music, and learning to use music to express feelings and thoughts. Especially in this weird time of the Covid-19 pandemic, music can serve as an valuable outlet to help kids maintain their mental health. Practice time can actually also serve as a much-needed break from the pressures of school and social media, and kids learn so much when they learn how to practice well. We will be kicking off our new studio year with a fun practice challenge, emphasizing smart practice habits and learning how to learn a piece efficiently.
4) I am Facebook friends with one of my very first piano students, Oliver. I started teaching him when he was just 6 after his mother, who sang in my church choir, asked me if I would teach him and his older sister. I was obviously very green as a piano teacher, but I loved teaching him and his sister, as well as another pair of siblings from that congregation. Oliver always excelled, and ended up playing piano for his high school jazz band (he also played trumpet). I quit teaching for a while when my kids were babies, and Oliver graduated high school and became a Marine. He's always kept music as part of his life. He's now married with a little boy of his own, and last week his wife posted a video of him playing some Debussy while his little son "played" along on the lower octaves. It made my heart happy ... that is what music lessons are all about!
It takes years to master an instrument. But when you consider the benefits and the lifelong enjoyment that come from this endeavor, I think it is well worth it.
I am currently signing up new students for 2020-21! I have VERY limited openings, so if you are interested in lessons, contact me right away! sara@meadowlarkmusicacademy.com
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