Sharing the joy of music
How our music teachers and music therapists experience music with their students and clients
I love my job!
Not everyone can say that, but I still can – even after 30 years! I consider all of my students as my “kids.” They and their families become a part of my extended family.
Every day, I have the privilege of seeing students of all ages and abilities experience music. It’s still a wonder after all this time. When that lightbulb of understanding comes on in a student, I know it’s a great day for both of us.
There are so many things that go into a great lesson. Sometimes it’s the lightbulb, but that doesn’t happen every week. Sometimes it’s the laugh we share, the hard work at the lesson, or the home practicing. I always enjoy the time we get to spend together making music.
One student and I had a fun laugh with the title of the old song “Jeepers Creepers.” Generally this student doesn’t want me to sing along with him, but we were singing the words together and laughing the whole time! Jeepers creepers, where’d ya get those peepers, Jeepers creepers, where did you get those eyes?
Another student changed the name of one of our musical terms. We have a tie in music (a tie is a curved line that connects two or more notes of the same pitch). He didn’t think that was right so changed the name to “winner.” Every time I see a tie, I hear his voice telling me the name change!
Yet another student enjoys learning the songs from her piano book, but also enjoys writing her own songs. Every week, I get to listen to a concert of the songs she has written. Although she’s writing them in letters, not on staff paper, she’s made up her own ways of differentiating between notes. For instance “G” means G above middle C, while “g” means G below middle C. She is consistent with this writing in her songs! We can transfer that to her book and make the connection about notes looking different for different places on the piano. This is such a great way to be able to combine different kinds of learning!
The hard part of the lessons is the home practice. Home practicing helps make the lessons more enjoyable, and we can enjoy a sense of accomplishment together. Even if the song isn’t completed yet, practicing still matters to ensure progress. Often, the goal is learning music and having fun (especially at TPSMTS!).
It is a privilege of being able to have music as a partner in life. Playing music can be an outlet for emotions, or just a great way to spend some time.
We know music has so many benefits from helping memory to helping with math skills. Encourage your kids to play the piano for the enjoyment of it. Play something that they know well, or experiment with finding melodies they like. Any time spent making music is time well spent!
Thank you to all my students for sharing their time and music with me at their lessons. I am honoured to have you all as part of my family!
