Expectations
I realize that when a teacher expects little of her student, there’s no motivation for the student to excel. Small expectations result in mediocrity. High expectations inspire excellence.
At first, it was difficult for me to live up to the high expectations that my music teacher had, but in the long run, it proved to be a good thing for both of us. Her high expectations spurred and motivated me to do more than what I thought I was capable of. It’s not easy, but it is worth the extra effort.
I learn that when a teacher expects great things of a student, the student will almost willingly want to excel and show the teacher that it is nothing too impossible.
Although I think we all know this, many times we still see teachers who don’t care any better and they don’t expect anything of the students at all. In truth, I’m tired of such teachers. I often end up wasting my time in school cause’ the whole class is in a racket (yes, even in Year 10) precisely because the teacher has lost control by not having any expectations of the class. Of course, it is a challenge, but then I suppose that’s why outstanding teachers and exceptional students (who willingly want to excel because they are motivated by the teacher) are a rarity.
I think this is something I can learn from and apply to in my life and also when teaching my piano students.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Repetition Without Aim
A few days ago, as I taught my sister Jirene some pieces (to prepare her for an audition at Blackburn High school in Dec), I told her that she must start practicing for real. You know many times we think that to practice is simply to play a piece from beginning to end for 3 times, then move on to the next, and then that’s the end of it. I now realize how futile such a method of practicing is! Sadly, I admit that I used to do that – and I find most people are contented with practicing like that.
I told Jirene that she must stop the routine or habit of treating a music practice like just a brief, mindless “run-thru” of pieces. She must pick out the nasty parts and work on them until it becomes more than playing “automatically” or mere the reading of notes. Such practice can be compared to studying a textbook, or “listening” to a boring teacher rambling on – the mind is not really absorbing the information, it is wandering elsewhere.
Likewise with practicing the piano, one must not merely treat it as a boring, aimless repetition of songs or notes! It is far, far more meaningful. At this point, I am truly a lover of Classical music (which most people would deem as a boring and old-fashioned type of music for old people). I’ll probably talk about my love for it some other time. :P Anyway, continuing, we can’t practice without having a desire to understand the particular nasty bit (which is most often the bestest bit!). If not, we’d just be rehearsing the same thing for ages without discovering anything new!
I told Jirene, “Repetition without an AIM is useless. You must have a plan and goal. Now your aim is the audition. Practice your music with that aim and purpose!”
Hmm, the moment I said that, I immediately thought to write it down so that I won’t forget. Haha, the best quotes come from spontaneous mouths, or rather, minds. Hee (: Now that's also a good quote, hey! :P
A few days ago, as I taught my sister Jirene some pieces (to prepare her for an audition at Blackburn High school in Dec), I told her that she must start practicing for real. You know many times we think that to practice is simply to play a piece from beginning to end for 3 times, then move on to the next, and then that’s the end of it. I now realize how futile such a method of practicing is! Sadly, I admit that I used to do that – and I find most people are contented with practicing like that.
I told Jirene that she must stop the routine or habit of treating a music practice like just a brief, mindless “run-thru” of pieces. She must pick out the nasty parts and work on them until it becomes more than playing “automatically” or mere the reading of notes. Such practice can be compared to studying a textbook, or “listening” to a boring teacher rambling on – the mind is not really absorbing the information, it is wandering elsewhere.
Likewise with practicing the piano, one must not merely treat it as a boring, aimless repetition of songs or notes! It is far, far more meaningful. At this point, I am truly a lover of Classical music (which most people would deem as a boring and old-fashioned type of music for old people). I’ll probably talk about my love for it some other time. :P Anyway, continuing, we can’t practice without having a desire to understand the particular nasty bit (which is most often the bestest bit!). If not, we’d just be rehearsing the same thing for ages without discovering anything new!
I told Jirene, “Repetition without an AIM is useless. You must have a plan and goal. Now your aim is the audition. Practice your music with that aim and purpose!”
Hmm, the moment I said that, I immediately thought to write it down so that I won’t forget. Haha, the best quotes come from spontaneous mouths, or rather, minds. Hee (: Now that's also a good quote, hey! :P
Sunday, September 13, 2009
All Glory to God
At the VCASS audition, I learned once again to ask for God’s peace to fill my heart and mind and keep me calm and composed. I wanted it to be a memorable and worthwhile experience. I didn’t want to blow it by being over nervous and worried – and what for? If my performance and the results are in God’s hands, I already have the victory and success in Him. Even if I do not get in, I will let it all go to God and learn to take the chill pill – simply benefit and grow from the experience.
Thankfully, I discover that whenever I truly place my trust in God, just perform and play out my heart unto Him, not even unto people, it will work out for good.
At the much anticipated audition, I only got to play like one-third of my pieces! How sad, right. I did not even manage to get to the best parts and the parts I practiced so much. But I believe the panel would’ve been able to gage my ability and level of playing even from the beginning (hopefully). Anyway, like I testified in my blog, God gave me the peace and I was not worried at all about how I would please the panel – there were five of them!
From now onwards, my main focus is to work on my TONE. It is almost the most important thing in piano playing. I regret that I’ve never been drilled with such core “foundation” principles all these years I’ve been playing. Tomorrow (my 16th birthday) will mark my 10th year playing the piano. God has led me this far, surely He will continue to reveal greater truths to me and lead me to more discoveries in music. NOW is only the BEGINNING.
Now that I am freed of this audition (that’s been pressurizing me for 4 months!) I can start pursuing new songs and challenge myself with another load of repertoire. Exciting, fun, and another season of sweat and tears to pour into my music! Haha, “why so serious?” right. But seriously, I AM dead serious. “Inspiration comes with perspiration” – wise words from my bestie Joyce Shamini. ;)
At the VCASS audition, I learned once again to ask for God’s peace to fill my heart and mind and keep me calm and composed. I wanted it to be a memorable and worthwhile experience. I didn’t want to blow it by being over nervous and worried – and what for? If my performance and the results are in God’s hands, I already have the victory and success in Him. Even if I do not get in, I will let it all go to God and learn to take the chill pill – simply benefit and grow from the experience.
Thankfully, I discover that whenever I truly place my trust in God, just perform and play out my heart unto Him, not even unto people, it will work out for good.
At the much anticipated audition, I only got to play like one-third of my pieces! How sad, right. I did not even manage to get to the best parts and the parts I practiced so much. But I believe the panel would’ve been able to gage my ability and level of playing even from the beginning (hopefully). Anyway, like I testified in my blog, God gave me the peace and I was not worried at all about how I would please the panel – there were five of them!
From now onwards, my main focus is to work on my TONE. It is almost the most important thing in piano playing. I regret that I’ve never been drilled with such core “foundation” principles all these years I’ve been playing. Tomorrow (my 16th birthday) will mark my 10th year playing the piano. God has led me this far, surely He will continue to reveal greater truths to me and lead me to more discoveries in music. NOW is only the BEGINNING.
Now that I am freed of this audition (that’s been pressurizing me for 4 months!) I can start pursuing new songs and challenge myself with another load of repertoire. Exciting, fun, and another season of sweat and tears to pour into my music! Haha, “why so serious?” right. But seriously, I AM dead serious. “Inspiration comes with perspiration” – wise words from my bestie Joyce Shamini. ;)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
9/09/09
Today I performed Beethoven’s Appassionata 3rd Movement in Music Performance & Composition class with my schoolmates and subject teacher as audience. The main thing I MUST work on is ARTICULATION and TONE CLARITY. Like Ms Sandra Birze said, “Don’t allow your overly-passionate playing to swallow the notes!”
I was a tad bit nervous when I played. But then it evened out and I was more able to achieve a “balance between mind and heart”, as Ms Georgi Lewis once told me after the Gala Soiree performance. However, the piano was a ‘muffled’ kind, and the carpet on the floor kinda’ sucked up a lot of the sound. Thus my performance wasn’t as clear as it should have been.
This is a good practice for my VCASS audition in two days (I wrote about it in the previous post)! I must take heed to not play automatically (although sometimes it helps to calm my nerves) and not forget the contrast in the expressions that are so vital to this movement. Without clear expression and tonality, it becomes merely a series of fast notes all jumbled up without any direction, meaning and purpose. I need to tell a story through the piece.
I must FORGET THE AUDIENCE!!! Immerse myself in the piece, in every note, savour every part. I cannot play so exhilaratingly until I forget the expression and ignore the parts that I have so carefully rehearsed. I must remember each part that I tend to play automatically. Do not just think about ending the piece. Think about bringing out the part you’re playing with all your heart and fingers!
However, I am quite pleased that I had achieved a sufficient amount of DRAMA and SUSPENSE. I must be aware of every part I’m playing. DON’T PLAY IT AUTOMATICALLY!
The performance seemed as if it went by in a flash. I can’t remember how I played most of it. However, I am particularly pleased with a certain part where both hands are playing the same melody and it must be played very LINEARLY. One thing I must add to it is a CRESCENDO! I must remember that bit. I think it helps when I look straight ahead when I play this part. I must feel every note in order to play it linearly – listen to the left hand.
So the key areas that I need to take note at the audition are:
1) Articulation – don’t swallow the notes! Make it all clear.
2) Tone. Each note must be crystal clear and heard individually.
3) In order to achieve the above two areas, I must use FINGERTIPS!!!
4) Expression. Don’t simply focus on getting the notes right. Note ff & pp contrasts.
5) When you have expression, you will surely play out the MELODY.
6) Separate melody and accompaniment. Accompaniment is more subdued.
7) RELAX. Savour the slow and quiet (suspenseful) parts – rest and relax your shoulders.
8) Be DELIBERATE when playing the parts you’ve practiced most.
9) Accuracy. LOOK AHEAD before you land – don’t blindly hit a key.
10) PEDAL. Clean and don’t blend notes.
Thank God for the opportunity to perform today. It somehow makes me feel more prepared for the audition in two days. Yikes. Yipee. I really don’t know what to feel. God please help me. I place my confidence and trust in You alone!!!
Today I performed Beethoven’s Appassionata 3rd Movement in Music Performance & Composition class with my schoolmates and subject teacher as audience. The main thing I MUST work on is ARTICULATION and TONE CLARITY. Like Ms Sandra Birze said, “Don’t allow your overly-passionate playing to swallow the notes!”
I was a tad bit nervous when I played. But then it evened out and I was more able to achieve a “balance between mind and heart”, as Ms Georgi Lewis once told me after the Gala Soiree performance. However, the piano was a ‘muffled’ kind, and the carpet on the floor kinda’ sucked up a lot of the sound. Thus my performance wasn’t as clear as it should have been.
This is a good practice for my VCASS audition in two days (I wrote about it in the previous post)! I must take heed to not play automatically (although sometimes it helps to calm my nerves) and not forget the contrast in the expressions that are so vital to this movement. Without clear expression and tonality, it becomes merely a series of fast notes all jumbled up without any direction, meaning and purpose. I need to tell a story through the piece.
I must FORGET THE AUDIENCE!!! Immerse myself in the piece, in every note, savour every part. I cannot play so exhilaratingly until I forget the expression and ignore the parts that I have so carefully rehearsed. I must remember each part that I tend to play automatically. Do not just think about ending the piece. Think about bringing out the part you’re playing with all your heart and fingers!
However, I am quite pleased that I had achieved a sufficient amount of DRAMA and SUSPENSE. I must be aware of every part I’m playing. DON’T PLAY IT AUTOMATICALLY!
The performance seemed as if it went by in a flash. I can’t remember how I played most of it. However, I am particularly pleased with a certain part where both hands are playing the same melody and it must be played very LINEARLY. One thing I must add to it is a CRESCENDO! I must remember that bit. I think it helps when I look straight ahead when I play this part. I must feel every note in order to play it linearly – listen to the left hand.
So the key areas that I need to take note at the audition are:
1) Articulation – don’t swallow the notes! Make it all clear.
2) Tone. Each note must be crystal clear and heard individually.
3) In order to achieve the above two areas, I must use FINGERTIPS!!!
4) Expression. Don’t simply focus on getting the notes right. Note ff & pp contrasts.
5) When you have expression, you will surely play out the MELODY.
6) Separate melody and accompaniment. Accompaniment is more subdued.
7) RELAX. Savour the slow and quiet (suspenseful) parts – rest and relax your shoulders.
8) Be DELIBERATE when playing the parts you’ve practiced most.
9) Accuracy. LOOK AHEAD before you land – don’t blindly hit a key.
10) PEDAL. Clean and don’t blend notes.
Thank God for the opportunity to perform today. It somehow makes me feel more prepared for the audition in two days. Yikes. Yipee. I really don’t know what to feel. God please help me. I place my confidence and trust in You alone!!!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Royal South Street Competition
Yesterday (29th August), I set off on a bus trip to Ballarat (2 hours away) with my mates from Blackburn High’s Senior Strings Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. We were going for the annual Royal South Street music competition, held at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat every year. It starts in July and ends in October. The competition has all sorts of categories – anything to do with the arts. Various bands, music ensembles, orchestras and dance groups from schools all over Victoria participate in the South Street competition every year.
If anyone’s wondering, the difference between the Symphony and Senior Strings Orchestra is that Symphony includes all orchestra instruments – the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion – whereas Senior Strings comprises only string instruments – violin, cello, viola and double bass.
We competed first on Senior Strings in the afternoon, and were followed by 6 other school ensembles. Mrs. Robyn Carrington was our conductor and we played 2 items: A Gaelic Overture by David O’ Fallon and Mantras by Richard Meyer. Our school won second place, by the way! Balwyn High School came first and they well deserved it – they had splendid intonation and were so tight in playing as an ensemble!
Later in the evening, we prepared for the Symphony Orchestra competition. The Symphony Orchestra is probably the biggest and best one to watch. Blackburn High’s Symphony Orchestra is privileged to have Mr. Andrew Wailes as our conductor. He is really good cause’ he has his own style and he’s professional in not just conducting, but in leading the entire orchestra with a clear direction each time we are presented with new repertoire to master.
Mr. Wailes often gives us really difficult and professional level pieces that are usually meant for professional orchestras to play. But thankfully we’re most likely always able to achieve a commendable standard (considering we’re only a school orchestra) because Mr. Wailes knows what he wants to achieve with the piece. When we go off track, he’ll spend precious rehearsal time to explain (always with a tad bit of humour) the direction and nature of that particular part. Music isn’t just a bunch of notes or tunes! It’s a mix of emotion, passion, expression, style – we gotta’ achieve that each time.
On the competition night, we hoped to land ourselves in the top three. But before performing, we weren’t so sure – we were in a tense situation. Firstly, we didn’t have a proper warm up room, plus the weather was rainy and the temperature below 10 degrees. They rented a place for us to warm up in, but it was really risky because we had to walk out on the dark, slippery road with all our instruments. And with the drastic temperature change, the tuning was bound to go berserk (especially woodwinds). When getting organized in the squashy room, Mr. Wailes warned us “At this very moment, any of you might accidentally wreck your instruments if you’re not careful!”
We performed 3 repertoires that went on for 20 minutes: Starflight Overture by Rex Mitchell, Klarinette Concerto (Andante movement) by Mozart, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. I could barely hear myself in the theatre cause’ it is meant to project to the audience, and the heavy red curtains soaked up the sound on the stage. I probably didn’t play my best. But I hoped that as a whole, we sounded impressive enough; given that our pieces were all meant to be pretty showy. Haha.
We competed against 7 other school Symphony Orchestras. At the end of the night, we were all at the edge of our seats as they announced the top three. Winning first for Symphony Orchestra would be such an awesome achievement cause’ it’s the hardest one! So it went, third was Melbourne High School, second place was Ballarat High, and the first place went to… Blackburn High School!!! WAHOO! We were cheering, hugging and high fiving each other. It sure felt great. :D
It was a good experience. Music in school has given me all the opportunities in the world – to get to know new people, to hear all the orchestra instruments that are rarely taught in M’sia, to learn under dedicated and fun music teachers, and to make music with others on such a big scale. Really thank God for answering my prayer. A year ago I couldn’t imagine experiencing all this!
I thank God so much for giving me another memorable musical escapade. =)
Yesterday (29th August), I set off on a bus trip to Ballarat (2 hours away) with my mates from Blackburn High’s Senior Strings Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra. We were going for the annual Royal South Street music competition, held at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat every year. It starts in July and ends in October. The competition has all sorts of categories – anything to do with the arts. Various bands, music ensembles, orchestras and dance groups from schools all over Victoria participate in the South Street competition every year.
If anyone’s wondering, the difference between the Symphony and Senior Strings Orchestra is that Symphony includes all orchestra instruments – the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion – whereas Senior Strings comprises only string instruments – violin, cello, viola and double bass.
We competed first on Senior Strings in the afternoon, and were followed by 6 other school ensembles. Mrs. Robyn Carrington was our conductor and we played 2 items: A Gaelic Overture by David O’ Fallon and Mantras by Richard Meyer. Our school won second place, by the way! Balwyn High School came first and they well deserved it – they had splendid intonation and were so tight in playing as an ensemble!
Later in the evening, we prepared for the Symphony Orchestra competition. The Symphony Orchestra is probably the biggest and best one to watch. Blackburn High’s Symphony Orchestra is privileged to have Mr. Andrew Wailes as our conductor. He is really good cause’ he has his own style and he’s professional in not just conducting, but in leading the entire orchestra with a clear direction each time we are presented with new repertoire to master.
Mr. Wailes often gives us really difficult and professional level pieces that are usually meant for professional orchestras to play. But thankfully we’re most likely always able to achieve a commendable standard (considering we’re only a school orchestra) because Mr. Wailes knows what he wants to achieve with the piece. When we go off track, he’ll spend precious rehearsal time to explain (always with a tad bit of humour) the direction and nature of that particular part. Music isn’t just a bunch of notes or tunes! It’s a mix of emotion, passion, expression, style – we gotta’ achieve that each time.
On the competition night, we hoped to land ourselves in the top three. But before performing, we weren’t so sure – we were in a tense situation. Firstly, we didn’t have a proper warm up room, plus the weather was rainy and the temperature below 10 degrees. They rented a place for us to warm up in, but it was really risky because we had to walk out on the dark, slippery road with all our instruments. And with the drastic temperature change, the tuning was bound to go berserk (especially woodwinds). When getting organized in the squashy room, Mr. Wailes warned us “At this very moment, any of you might accidentally wreck your instruments if you’re not careful!”
We performed 3 repertoires that went on for 20 minutes: Starflight Overture by Rex Mitchell, Klarinette Concerto (Andante movement) by Mozart, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. I could barely hear myself in the theatre cause’ it is meant to project to the audience, and the heavy red curtains soaked up the sound on the stage. I probably didn’t play my best. But I hoped that as a whole, we sounded impressive enough; given that our pieces were all meant to be pretty showy. Haha.
We competed against 7 other school Symphony Orchestras. At the end of the night, we were all at the edge of our seats as they announced the top three. Winning first for Symphony Orchestra would be such an awesome achievement cause’ it’s the hardest one! So it went, third was Melbourne High School, second place was Ballarat High, and the first place went to… Blackburn High School!!! WAHOO! We were cheering, hugging and high fiving each other. It sure felt great. :D
It was a good experience. Music in school has given me all the opportunities in the world – to get to know new people, to hear all the orchestra instruments that are rarely taught in M’sia, to learn under dedicated and fun music teachers, and to make music with others on such a big scale. Really thank God for answering my prayer. A year ago I couldn’t imagine experiencing all this!
I thank God so much for giving me another memorable musical escapade. =)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Melbourne Strings Festival
The latest music event that I was involved in was the annual Melbourne Strings Festival. I was part of the II Violin group in the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Wailes and the Senior Strings Orchestra, conducted by Robyn Carrington – my current violin teacher.
The Blackburn High School Symphony Orchestra played three repertoires: Starflight Overture, Mozart’s Andante movement for the Clarinet, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. Man oh man, the Overture Festivo was truly a tough one to perform! There were so many running notes and big chords. I’m still struggling to keep up at some parts!
And then there’s the Mozart piece, which is fairly simple-looking, but in actual fact, a tough one to master. It is one of the most well-known movements in Mozart’s day and the entire orchestra is actually accompanying a solo clarinet player. Many orchestras find it difficult to play cause’ it requires tip-top intonation and tone. That makes it a very “exposed” piece – a little mistake by one person and the overall sound is ruined. We are still attempting to master these pieces as a whole.
For the Symphony Orchestra, we practice 2 hours a week, and 1 hour extra for our separate section. Even so, it is not enough. I have so many things to work on that sometimes I just have no choice but to neglect the orchestra work (unfortunately)!
I always find it amazing that such beautiful music can be produced when all these complex instruments are played together. And not just playing any sound, but something that flows together. As much as it sounds so beautiful, I must also come back to reality when it comes to “practice makes perfect”. No repertoire can be beautiful unless practice and real effort is put into it. Sometimes I wonder why oh why I am doing all this. Why don’t I just settle with listening to music?
I guess I’m just not meant to settle for listening to music. I need to make some of my own noise. I need to make music!!!
Here is a video my dad took of the Overture Festivo at the Robert Blackwood Hall – the largest music hall in Monash University, Clayton. Like Mr. Wailes said, “It’s a really showy piece.” Loud, brassy, fast and vigorous strings, animated flutes and all that.
The latest music event that I was involved in was the annual Melbourne Strings Festival. I was part of the II Violin group in the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Wailes and the Senior Strings Orchestra, conducted by Robyn Carrington – my current violin teacher.
The Blackburn High School Symphony Orchestra played three repertoires: Starflight Overture, Mozart’s Andante movement for the Clarinet, and Overture Festivo by Shostakovich. Man oh man, the Overture Festivo was truly a tough one to perform! There were so many running notes and big chords. I’m still struggling to keep up at some parts!
And then there’s the Mozart piece, which is fairly simple-looking, but in actual fact, a tough one to master. It is one of the most well-known movements in Mozart’s day and the entire orchestra is actually accompanying a solo clarinet player. Many orchestras find it difficult to play cause’ it requires tip-top intonation and tone. That makes it a very “exposed” piece – a little mistake by one person and the overall sound is ruined. We are still attempting to master these pieces as a whole.
For the Symphony Orchestra, we practice 2 hours a week, and 1 hour extra for our separate section. Even so, it is not enough. I have so many things to work on that sometimes I just have no choice but to neglect the orchestra work (unfortunately)!
I always find it amazing that such beautiful music can be produced when all these complex instruments are played together. And not just playing any sound, but something that flows together. As much as it sounds so beautiful, I must also come back to reality when it comes to “practice makes perfect”. No repertoire can be beautiful unless practice and real effort is put into it. Sometimes I wonder why oh why I am doing all this. Why don’t I just settle with listening to music?
I guess I’m just not meant to settle for listening to music. I need to make some of my own noise. I need to make music!!!
Here is a video my dad took of the Overture Festivo at the Robert Blackwood Hall – the largest music hall in Monash University, Clayton. Like Mr. Wailes said, “It’s a really showy piece.” Loud, brassy, fast and vigorous strings, animated flutes and all that.
Our next performance would be next Saturday’s Southstreet competition in Ballarat, about an hour away. It’s an annual competition between the various school bands and orchestras around Melbourne. Hopefully I’ll be able to bring my camera. Hear from me soon. Have a jolly weekend! ;)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
My First Real Beginner!
A few weeks ago, before my two piano students Camilla and Amelie returned to their home countries Germany and Denmark, I prayed for God to open another opportunity for me to continue teaching piano. I had asked around if anyone from school or church wanted to learn piano, but nothing came through. I remember asking God to provide for me a new piano student before Camilla leaves.
A week before Camilla left, I believe God reminded me of a friend who had once told me that her parents are planning to send her sister for piano lessons. At that time I did not consider it. But now I remembered her, so I texted her that I’m teaching piano. I did not expect her to say yes though, cause’ they live an hour away from my place.
To my delight, she replied saying her parents were keen to send their 5 year-old daughter, Jen Vee, for lessons! However, the only problem was transport, since we live an hour away. I asked my parents if there was any way we could arrange it, but they didn’t think it’ll work out. Instead of leaving it as that, I somehow felt there’s gonna’ be a way to it, so I just committed it to God and prayed that this opportunity wouldn’t pass me by.
Amazingly, we agreed on a Sunday afternoon for Jen Vee to come to my house cause’ their church is round the corner! Man, I really thanked God for blessing me with yet another opportunity! This time, it’ll be different cause’ for the first time, I’ll be teaching a real, genuine beginner. Jen Vee is five years old and she doesn’t know a single thing about reading music notes whatsoever.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous. People often think that teaching a beginner is an easy job. Yes, it kinda’ is. But I prefer teaching those who already have a music background cause’ they already know the basics. Now I see that the hardest thing about teaching is laying the foundation and teaching the fundamentals. Man, I have a heavy responsibility!
As much as I’m teaching, I am learning more. That’s why I’m making it a point to write it in my online journal lest I forget. Which I will. Haha. Today we had our second lesson. Jen Vee is a fast learner! I have to hit myself for underestimating little people. I am reminded of how timid I was when I first started out at 7. I wish I had dared to ask questions and give my opinion. Ah well, you can’t compare, Aussie kids are certainly more outspoken.
One thing that I’ll want to teach my students is to play using not only our hands, but our ears. That’s one thing I never really learned. If you don’t use your ears as you ought to, playing music becomes a boring repetition of tones that is translated from the recognition of music notes. That’s what happened in the music center I went to in M’sia. I hope I can help my students to make melodies both with and without music notes.
I find that with every new thing I’m discovering, my interest in teaching is increasing. Certainly this is only the beginning. I’m committing every opportunity to God so that He can help me squeeze the most out of it. When God hands me lemons, I make lemonade. ;)
A few weeks ago, before my two piano students Camilla and Amelie returned to their home countries Germany and Denmark, I prayed for God to open another opportunity for me to continue teaching piano. I had asked around if anyone from school or church wanted to learn piano, but nothing came through. I remember asking God to provide for me a new piano student before Camilla leaves.
A week before Camilla left, I believe God reminded me of a friend who had once told me that her parents are planning to send her sister for piano lessons. At that time I did not consider it. But now I remembered her, so I texted her that I’m teaching piano. I did not expect her to say yes though, cause’ they live an hour away from my place.
To my delight, she replied saying her parents were keen to send their 5 year-old daughter, Jen Vee, for lessons! However, the only problem was transport, since we live an hour away. I asked my parents if there was any way we could arrange it, but they didn’t think it’ll work out. Instead of leaving it as that, I somehow felt there’s gonna’ be a way to it, so I just committed it to God and prayed that this opportunity wouldn’t pass me by.
Amazingly, we agreed on a Sunday afternoon for Jen Vee to come to my house cause’ their church is round the corner! Man, I really thanked God for blessing me with yet another opportunity! This time, it’ll be different cause’ for the first time, I’ll be teaching a real, genuine beginner. Jen Vee is five years old and she doesn’t know a single thing about reading music notes whatsoever.
Honestly, I was a bit nervous. People often think that teaching a beginner is an easy job. Yes, it kinda’ is. But I prefer teaching those who already have a music background cause’ they already know the basics. Now I see that the hardest thing about teaching is laying the foundation and teaching the fundamentals. Man, I have a heavy responsibility!
As much as I’m teaching, I am learning more. That’s why I’m making it a point to write it in my online journal lest I forget. Which I will. Haha. Today we had our second lesson. Jen Vee is a fast learner! I have to hit myself for underestimating little people. I am reminded of how timid I was when I first started out at 7. I wish I had dared to ask questions and give my opinion. Ah well, you can’t compare, Aussie kids are certainly more outspoken.
One thing that I’ll want to teach my students is to play using not only our hands, but our ears. That’s one thing I never really learned. If you don’t use your ears as you ought to, playing music becomes a boring repetition of tones that is translated from the recognition of music notes. That’s what happened in the music center I went to in M’sia. I hope I can help my students to make melodies both with and without music notes.
I find that with every new thing I’m discovering, my interest in teaching is increasing. Certainly this is only the beginning. I’m committing every opportunity to God so that He can help me squeeze the most out of it. When God hands me lemons, I make lemonade. ;)
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