Recently, 3 home-schooled siblings began lessons with me (yay–that
means they can arrive before the bewitching hour of 3:00pm!) With good reason, their mother was definitely concerned about her large monthly investment. With past piano teachers, communication of what and how to practice was frustrating for her children. Once they started with me, it was reassuring to hear that my detailed lesson notes, emailed after each lesson “set me apart” from other teachers.
Wow–that phrase “set me apart” got me thinking about my teaching style and how my studio may differ from others. Below is a list of the dominant traits that have risen to the top to make mY brand of teaching unique.
PhilosophY
This statement was crafted years ago but is frequently revisited to help me stay focused on what’s important and what’s not:
Students at any age will be encouraged to develop independence at the piano so that music can be enjoyed on the bench for a lifetime.
This mission statement determines what organizations to join, if/when I may enter students in competitions, what materials to use, and most importantly what students will “fit” within my style of teaching.
PsychologY
I play all of these roles but enjoy some more than others: hostess, entertainer, policy enforcer, accountant, administrator, disciplinarian, cheerleader, coach, musician, teacher, bar tender, bill collector, confidant, therapist and friend.
In general, I often ask myself–is this a bench or a couch? I count it a privilege and honor to “be there” when needed.
