Key Take Aways:
A lot of musicians get into teaching because they need to make ends meetThis causes a lot of sub-par effort to be put forth by these teachersAsk yourself: What impact has music had on you, in your life? How much better is your life because of music?Now take a moment to realize that you are often the first glimpse a child will have into the world of music, and that their perception of this world has a lot to do with your mindset, your posture, and your attitude towards musicFor you, it might just be what you need to do in order to make ends meet, but for them, you are, in a lot of ways, shaping their perception of music. And that perception can last for a long time, if not a life-timeSo take what you do very, very seriously. Because it is serious! You have the opportunity to be someone’s introduction to music, and you have the power to make that either a good or a bad first impressionTreat every lesson with enthusiasm and excitement! Find a way to pump yourself up for each lesson. There are days where I literally teach 13 back to back half hour lessons without a break – and that when you really need to dig deep, and bring the passion with each and every subsequent lesson!So take a moment to reflect. Maybe you’re just teaching at this point to make ends meet. Maybe it’s a money thing, in order to support your quote “real” music. And that’s fine. That’s the case for some.But don’t treat it that way! With each lesson you have the opportunity to give children a solidlygood first impression of music, and that is a huge responsibility! Treat it as such!Of course, the bonus effect of this is that you are actually going to enjoy your teaching far more because you are bringing this attitude to it. But that’s just a bonus.Make the effort to bring the same kind of passion that you have for music into every single lesson. It’s your moral obligation to do so, as having anything less than this is effectively robbing children of the introduction to music that they deserve.Do whatever you’ve gotta do to psych yourself up. But don’t ever go into a lesson with less than the full amount of passion that you have for music showing in your face, in your posture, and in the attitude that you bring to your teaching.As a teacher, even if it is not your end-all goal, treat it like it is every day, so that you don’t let your students down, but rather you gives your students the introduction to music that they deserveIf you would like to be considered for featured artist, email music submissions [email protected]
Shownotes: modernmusician.co/041
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