When people know I teach piano, the second question they ask is usually this:
“Do you teach kids? Adults?”
I don’t understand why it matters.
Surely, there are different tactics and communication strategies when it comes to teaching various age groups.
But they are all humans. I respect children just as I respect adults, or people of all ages, genders, races and backgrounds.
The first rule in my studio policy is RESPECT.
“There must be a mutual respect among the teacher, students and their parents (if kids).”
There must be a trust among one another before any teaching and learning occur. Otherwise, it’s already a losing battle right from the start.
So no I don’t teach kids piano. I teach piano.
Or rather, I coach people how to play and teach the piano.
I guide them through their music journey along the way.
I want my students to discover the beauty of music and piano playing. I want them to experience the joy of music learning. I want them to have the amazing opportunity to appreciate the wonderful quality of music.
Everyone loves the experience of music. Everyone should try to make music one way or another. It’s like everyone loves watching others dance and wishes they too know how to dance. It’s not about doing it so well you can perform on stage. It’s about being part of the music by doing it.
I tell my students that it’s not always rainbow and happiness when it comes to playing piano. Sometimes it’s thunderstorm and sadness. What I mean is, it’s not always fun during practice and learning. But we also learn how to navigate through those obstacles, and learn from them. We ourselves, with proper guidance, are able to make it easier and more efficient for ourselves. It is about repetitions and persistence, but it is also being smart about it. Wrong repetitions will always be wrong.
I thought it would be rough coming back to teach after almost a couple weeks of break. It was the opposite. I have realized that I am a better person because of my teaching, because of my students. I am still passionate about my teaching after over a couple decades in it. I am still amazed seeing students beaming with joy and excitement when they get it and love playing new pieces. I guess I will be staying in this for a bit longer..
