03.31.07
I am “Achi Mira” to Them
My kids have grown so much!
(My apologies if that line frightened or alarmed anyone. No, no, I certainly did not sprout off-springs unnoticed.) I am speaking concerning my students.
After hearing them today for the final polishing of April 9’s recital, a significant impression of fulfillment settled within me. I must say that the past year has been the paragon in my entire teaching experience so far. Not solely for the fact that an ADHD child has mastered a Debussy remarkably, or because a severely unassertive and shy girl accomplished the original score of The Entertainer superbly, or because another has learned to appreciate piano lessons after a season of shunning it, nor is it because one plays the Moonlight Sonata beautifully, or because one of my advanced students can still perform exquisitely despite the loss of a finger in an unfortunate accident, nor because of my little brother who has already achieved a Haydn concerto at age seven. I am assuredly not thieving my students of the credit due them, what I intend to say is that my sense of fulfillment did not altogether spring forth from what music pieces they are capable of (heaven knows there are much better teachers who produce prodigies like demisemiquavers in a row), but owing to what I have also learnt through them. I thank God for allowing them to become instruments to cultivate me as a person and as a teacher. I have grown very fond of each one of them, from my littlest pupils to the model-like ones who tower over me - but whom I still consider my babies.
It has been eleven years ago since I began teaching music. I am twenty-two now and basic math calculates that I have spent half of my life teaching! What a surprising realization that is. Within these eleven years, I have apprehended that there is no exact pattern or method of teaching a child since every one of them are distinct characters. It is the teacher’s responsibility to develop different and specific approaches for each unique child. Furthermore, I have understood that pleonastic scolding is profitless and counterproductive, that teaching should not be done for income acknowledging that teaching is not a job but a passion and dedication, that moreover, just as it is in life, I only had to love to become fulfilled.
Yeye said,
March 31, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Often times when i’m in such a good mood, i feel the same way you do…a deep love for the students i’m teaching, and the love for doing it. But then, I think we love it better because we know the kind of hard work that we put into it (not that i’m not crediting the student’s effort to practice, but then again, part of the drive they have in practicing is because how we motivated them). It’s inspiring to know that your students play such advanced pieces. I always marvel at “child prodigies” (who doesn’t?) For the time being, I always make sure I have a bushel full of patience within a hand’s reach. I sure hope I don’t run out!
miRacLe said,
April 12, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and remarks, Irene. I value them.