So, last time I wrote about why I teach. Today's question is:
Why Music? (in no particular order)
1) Music is good for the soul. Stress relief 101.
2) Music is a great escape. When I play, I focus on the music. The rest of the world disappears, and it's just me, my instrument, and the music. I don't have to worry about bills, homework, deadlines, relationship problems, working, what to have for dinner. Sure, the problems are still there for me when I'm done, but I've had some time away from them. And music sure beats drugs!!
3) Music is a powerful communication tool. It can make you cry, laugh, dance, or snort as you try to do all three. Tapping into this communication ability makes it easier to tap into others, so you become a better communicator overall.
4) Music is great for the brain. Music helps us learn how to learn. I know how I can memorize music, so I know how to memorize other things, including grocery lists.
5) Anger management. I have one song I play when I'm angry, and no, it doesn't sound great, but I put all that angry energy into it, and when it's done, I'm better. Possibly still upset, but rational.
6) Playing with others. Playing in a group is perhaps my greatest joy in music. Coming together with other people, to create something wonderful for others to hear - that's special.
So, if you put these two posts together (why I teach, and why music), you begin to see. Being able to help someone achieve what I have with music, and find the joy in it that I have, well, that's really cool. So, go make my day and play some music!
Happy Playing!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Why I Teach Music . . .
You know, I grew up knowing for certain I wanted to work with animals. I spent nearly 10 years of my life preparing to be a zookeeper. And now what do I do? Teach private string lessons!! So, why stick with it?
There's really two parts to this question: Why Teach? and Why Music?
Why Teach? (no particular order):
1) Teaching something, no matter what it is, is a GREAT way to better learn it yourself. You have to come up with different ways of showing, telling, etc, because no two people are the same, so you end up knowing 20+ different ways of doing everything you're teaching!
2) It's great for my mind. I know that as long as I keep teaching, my mind will remain sharp until I die. That's a good thought.
3) It's great for my students! Every time you learn something, that's another connection that's been made in your brain. Connections are good things. So whether you're debating whether to learn to cross-stitch, the next level in math, a new game, or music, the question should really be: why not? Go for it!
4) I adore my students. Some people ask me why I don't have kids of my own. In a way, I do - 30 of them! I just don't have to be 100% responsible for them all the time. But I still get to take joy in their growth, both as musicians and as people, share their sorrows, delight in their successes, revel in their joys. I can honestly say that I love every single student of mine.
5) It's hard to beat that "ah hah!" moment. Helping someone come to greater understanding is immensely rewarding. At the end of the day, I know that I've made a difference. No, I don't reach hundreds of students. But I get to personally interact with and get to know each of my students, and personally help them become better musicians and people.
6) Who wouldn't want to buy a bunch of toys and prizes and be able to give them away when their students pass books or do something really amazing? I get to have fun shopping, guilt-free!
As I said, these were in no particular order. I'm sure there's more (gee, I'm still thinking of more to add), but these are the biggies. I'll talk about why I'm involved with music in the next post.
Happy Playing!
There's really two parts to this question: Why Teach? and Why Music?
Why Teach? (no particular order):
1) Teaching something, no matter what it is, is a GREAT way to better learn it yourself. You have to come up with different ways of showing, telling, etc, because no two people are the same, so you end up knowing 20+ different ways of doing everything you're teaching!
2) It's great for my mind. I know that as long as I keep teaching, my mind will remain sharp until I die. That's a good thought.
3) It's great for my students! Every time you learn something, that's another connection that's been made in your brain. Connections are good things. So whether you're debating whether to learn to cross-stitch, the next level in math, a new game, or music, the question should really be: why not? Go for it!
4) I adore my students. Some people ask me why I don't have kids of my own. In a way, I do - 30 of them! I just don't have to be 100% responsible for them all the time. But I still get to take joy in their growth, both as musicians and as people, share their sorrows, delight in their successes, revel in their joys. I can honestly say that I love every single student of mine.
5) It's hard to beat that "ah hah!" moment. Helping someone come to greater understanding is immensely rewarding. At the end of the day, I know that I've made a difference. No, I don't reach hundreds of students. But I get to personally interact with and get to know each of my students, and personally help them become better musicians and people.
6) Who wouldn't want to buy a bunch of toys and prizes and be able to give them away when their students pass books or do something really amazing? I get to have fun shopping, guilt-free!
As I said, these were in no particular order. I'm sure there's more (gee, I'm still thinking of more to add), but these are the biggies. I'll talk about why I'm involved with music in the next post.
Happy Playing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)