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A Few of the Million Reasons I Love Teaching Piano

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In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m celebrating some of the many reasons I love teaching piano!

i love teaching piano

First piano lessons. I’m not exaggerating when I say that first piano lessons give me goosebumps. Learning to play the piano is such a life-changing experience, and I am the one who gets to introduce it? Wow. That’s huge. I’ve probably typed this phrase at least 100x “I am so excited to meet your child, and get them started with on the piano.” I mean it each and every time with all of my heart.

When a student is so proud of something they’ve practiced that they are just bursting and can’t wait to play it for me. Even if the timing is off and the notes are a disaster, it’s one of the BEST pieces I’ve ever heard. Now could we just try something in measure 5…

When my students imitate my speech. Apparently I say “tricky” a lot, because it’s become quite common in the vocabulary of a few five year-olds I know of!

Laughter. The average number of times a piano student students laughs is 80% higher than the average person. #fact #okayimadethatup

Apologies. Most adults apologize more than they laugh. They apologize that they didn’t practice. They apologize for being nervous. The apologies when they play a wrong note or fingering. Why? I don’t know. I’ll never quite understand because I started playing at 9. But it’s sweet. Better yet? Watching those adults become confident and actually start enjoying making music!

Tricking everyone into loving classical piano no matter how much they say they want to play classic rock (whatever that is). An arrangement of Morning by Grieg is one of my classic gateway pieces to get you hooked. ;)

Being tricked by my students into playing pop & jazz (which I would never play on my own).  Currently on my Post-it: Bruce Hornsby. Never heard of him, but that’s what YouTube is for. I can also play  a mean Party Rock.

recitals

Recitals. I will never forget my first recital as a teacher. First number was a duet with an adult student. Piano book fell off the music rack halfway through. We did that on purpose to lighten the mood, right?? Also, I will never forget the student who was too nervous to play. And then when she got up there proceeded to perform her entire book (including pieces she didn’t know)!!! The confetti balloons were pretty cool too.

Teaching Für Elise and Jingle Bells. Two of the most ANNOYING pieces ever. But I absolutely adore teaching them. People love to play music that everyone recognizes! I get that, and I wholeheartedly embrace the annoying! Bring it on! If you love it, I love it. No, seriously. I know it sounds like I’m being sarcastic. But I’m not. I could teach those pieces all day long (and sometimes I do). I will teach you anything you anything you think is cool, funny, or will impress your friends.

When my piano parents enjoy lesson time almost as much as my students. Yeah, my porch swing is amazing. The Christmas tree in the pink room? Magical. 30 minutes to read without interruption? Perfection!

My mail slot. No, your kid is NOT the only kid who has opened it. How can they help it? It’s right between the two pianos! It’s practically begging to be checked!

the cold

Not going out in the cold. Hey, just keeping it real. Although sometimes I do have to shovel!!

The day a student first uses some dynamics. I had an adult student this week who played stunning legato slurs and even observed a crescendo! It was her third lesson! It definitely made me tear up a little.

Reminding a student of the progress they’ve made. When a student is feeling discouraged, I love to page back in their book and say, remember when THIS was hard for you? Now it’s a piece of cake!!! This is especially powerful for adult students who can remember what it’s like to not be able to read music.  YOU ARE LEARNING A WHOLE NEW LANGUAGE, people. And that is sooo impressive!

duet partners

Seeing my students make friends through music. There are a ton of piano besties in the studio, and it’s so cool when you guys compare notes and ask about each other (remember this is not a race to see how far you are in your method book!!). Duet partners are BFF!!! Learning to play the piano is unbelievably awesome for your social skills.  Here I am with my duet partner (and bff for 28 years!!!!!!!!) and our piano teachers (also bffs). Just wait until you see some of the ensemble music we have planned for the spring recital.

Hearing a student’s idea. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 and telling me that playing piano reminds you of zombies or you’re 55 and telling me about the new software at your job. It’s interesting, it’s valuable, and I’m listening

My students inspiring me to have new ideas. This happens daily while I’m out walking with my dogs. I have an idea of a fun new way to introduce a concept or model a skill. And then I absolutely cannot wait to try it!! You’re inspiring me every day.

You also make me practice more. The sight-reading! It’s strenuous. I have to keep up my skills! And I love to play the piano so it’s win-win!

I see your potential. I’m not saying you’re going to win the Van Cliburn, but I love the way playing the piano is teaching you diligence, perseverance, and giving you an outlet for emotions and creativity. Life skills no matter what you end up doing at the keyboard.

Sometimes I even get to see you realize your potential in national assessments. Honors and Distinction last year in the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program assessments. Holla!!!

lukewarm coffee

Drinking lots of lukewarm coffee. Have you noticed that I drink a lot of coffee? Haha. I think you have. Thanks for all the Starbucks gift cards. :) Note: my sister is the one who put the coffee on the piano. Not me!! I don’t recommend it!! But it looks cute.

Funny questions. I have been asked many times. “WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS ON YOUR FACE??!” (freckles). But the best response ever: “Well, how do you get RID of them?”

Peeking ahead with students in their book. I always say “Ooooooo!!! That’s one of my favorites! You’re going to love it.” I’ve convinced some of my students that I’m a “music matchmaker”, and I just KNOW which pieces they will enjoy playing.

Students who have been with me for YEARS. Okay, maybe two years is the longest, but the progress you have made is incredible. (And you’ve grown a few inches too!!!)

Students who have been with me for DAYS. I am so proud of you! You’re trying something new! I don’t care if you still can’t find Middle C.  You’ll get there. There’s no rush. Also seeing my adult students try to play hands together on page 10 is always awesome. Love seeing the intense focus and concentration!

I got love for the families too. Thanks for enduring their practice (and hopefully encouraging it). Thanks for bringing them to lessons and making them wash your hands. I have the best piano families, and I love seeing you socialize at group classes and recitals. You sent the email that started this all! Love the siblings too. Love seeing you read Rebecca Stead and Calvin & Hobbes and letting you try the keyboard if you’re interested.

And there are a million more!

“Piano-playing is an ideal, all weather, lifetime hobby or a profitable profession.” – American College of Musicians Guild report card

Full disclosure: I have next week off so maybe that’s why I’m so over-the-top blissful about teaching right now. :) Also, if you’ve been in my studio you know this, but I’m not being sarcastic or exaggerating at all. Haha. I know, I wouldn’t believe it if I read something so sappy either.

What are you loving today? I also love Kevin, puppies, and CrossFit!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!!!!

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