Replaceable vs. Dispensable

Replaceable and Dispensable. These two terms when applied as adjectives to a teacher could easily be interpreted to mean that the teacher is easily replaced by another or that music is not important so music instruction can be dispensed with.

I do believe that a teacher should be irreplaceable, but in a way dispensable. First of all, the reasons should be obvious about being irreplaceable. We want to be good teachers so that our students won't want to find another teacher. We should seek to pursue excellence in teaching and a good teacher/student relationships. A good relationship goes a long way to keeping a student.

On the other hand, one of our long term goals for any student should be that they don't need us anymore. Hence, the reason we should be dispensable. It is important that we teach them how to practice and go about learning a piece so that they don't need us anymore. Being able to get a student to that level of independence, is the sign of a good teacher.

Sight Reading....

As I prepare my students for OMTA's spring syllabus, I want to test my students' sight reading so they are prepared for their syllabus evaluation. (For more on what OMTA's syllabus is, click here.) For the next few weeks, I will be working them through a sight reading book.

For beginning to intermediate students, it can be hard to find pieces that are easy enough for them to sight read that they haven't already learned. That is why I think a variety of sight reading books is an important asset to a teacher's library. It makes my job easier if I don't have to go searching through repertoire books looking for pieces that can be sight read. More advanced students can either play through an upper level sight reading book or an early grade repertoire book.

Anton Bruckner Quote

"They want me to write differently. Certainly I could, but I must not. God has chosen me from thousands and given me, of all people, this talent. It is to Him that I must give account. How then would I stand there before Almighty God, if I followed the others and not Him?" ~ Anton Bruckner (quoted from The Cult of Genius)

Valentines Day

So this year for Valentines Day I didn't get to making valentines for my students..... Oops. If any of you haven't given your students valentines yet and still want to, head over to Color in my Piano for some ideas for musical valentines!

Another Quote from J. S. Bach

"There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself" ~ Johann Sebastian Bach

I am sure that everyone who has played an instrument seriously questions the truth of this quote. :) I certainly don't think it is that simple!

Quote from J. S. Bach

"The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit." ~ Johann Sebastian Bach

Continuing to Perform

I desire that all of my students love to make music and to continue to use the skills they have learned long after they leave my studio. Yet, I realize that most music students won't become concert pianists, famous singers, members of a prestigious orchestra, or have any sort of career relating to music. So how can I encourage my students to use their gifts?

1. They can volunteer for their church worship group.
2. They can play in public venues, such as music stores, libraries ect. During the Christmas season, these places may be looking for people to volunteer to play quiet music for their patrons.
3. They can host a recital/concert at a retirement or nursing home. They could collaborate with friends who play different instruments.
4. They can play at a benefits concert. The more adventurous performer could put one together to raise money for the charity of their choice.
5. They can host their own post-lesson recitals.

This is only a sample of things that our students can do to keep using their musical education. No matter whether they do one or all of theses things, we should encourage them to do it for the glory of God.