Joy of Teaching

November 7, 2005 at 6:14 AM

There is a discussion on music teaching on another Internet forum where I hang out. Someone wrote something that is so good and expresses my feelings so beautifully that I am copying it here, with her permission.

It's been the only job where I can sleep at night knowing I've done some good for folks every day.

Yes, there are few things more rewarding than watching eyes light up with the realization "Wow ...I CAN do this after all! I must be more intelligent/ smarter/talented/creative than I thought! I sound so good! And it's so much fun ..."

ANd to have parents tell you how much they appreciate your influence and patience and teaching methods, because it's boosted their child's confidence and self-esteem and helped them academically as well. And then recommend you in glowing terms to everyone who asks for years ...

Or to have the honour of being asked to play for your former student's wedding(s), "because it would mean so much to the whole family to have you here." Remember? The one(s) you struggled so patiently with week after week from age 6, till she finished her Grade 9 was off to university - and now teaches students of her own.