Hellooo, it has been a long time since the last post. Had been busy with teaching, preparation for concerts and exams. I had thought of stopping to write (sorry grammar terrible), but my heart aches to scream what's on my brains out to the world, regardless of how many people will take notice of it, including me.
Alright, enough introduction. Let's get into gear. I've taught many people. Young, old, middle age, teenagers. Some stayed for short, some longer and some still driving on. Every one that I've met for individual piano lessons are the same. Enthusiastic, eager to tinker the piano, lesson one. It starts to fizzle off around lesson 30, half a year later, when the foundation builds up, both hands playing with accompanimant. For kids, they'll pull through. For teens, some says they need more time to study and goodbye. For adults, at lesson 3, they don't pay attention to me and try both hands immediately.
A quarter of those who pull out blames me for not doing a good job with their kids. Well, I've just started this trade, I still need time to polish up before I become as good as maestros. But the question is, am I the one to be blamed?
7 days 24 hours. I am able to see a student for 45 minutes a week. The rest is spent away from class. After class, the child gets back home and sees the piano at the corner. If mommmy or daddy is interested on what he learnt today, they would sit down and listen to him/her playing. How many parents would do that?
I was brought up in a home where dad was the interested one, mom doesn't pay attention to music. Back then, my music teacher was a strict man, a parent accompanies the child to music lessons. But it didn't do any good at home. Dad would be playing Wolfenstein and ordering me to practise. Its just like watching television and asking your child to practice. Now I voice out, I played with my hands but my ears were to the shooting. I hurried my pratice and settle down beside him watching Wolfenstein. I wonder, when would I finally quit piano?
To nurture your child is easy. Don't rely too much on us teachers. Be the teacher at home. Take an interest in your child's music progress. It would be great if parents ask what have you learnt today? Repeating what teacher says helps children to remember more. I wasn't into Italian terms but it improved alot thanks to repeating everyday. If you are interested with your child, she/he will be as keen as you are.
Let's create a better environment for learing.
(Typed without grammar or spelling check)
