Last week, the parent of a longtime student told me that over the last decade, I had played a vital role her child’s life. Humbled and of course deeply honored, I reflected on the hundreds of students and families we’ve worked with over the years at our school. Reminded that music and music education goes so far beyond notes, rhythms and techniques, I began to think about what other benefits private, weekly lessons may provide for the development of a child and the balanced life of an adult in today’s world.
It’s not a novel concept that a teacher can fulfill a role beyond the narrow confines of her specific educational field and there are certainly other professionals more specifically tasked with clients’ health, well-being and non-academic development. However, the teacher-student dynamic in the context of weekly or twice-weekly, one-on-one lessons proves much more profound than most realize. We are so thankful that most of our students study with us for over five years and as we’ve worked with them through notes, rhythms and techniques we’ve also studied self-expression and human connection through music week after week. Is it surprising then that the human element is in fact so strong?
For some students our role perhaps remains exclusively musical but I encourage any prospective student and family to keenly evaluate the non-musical benefits of having a well-chosen coach, mentor and teacher in their life. On a human level, teachers pass along values and priorities consciously and subconsciously each lesson each week. Through the methods with which we choose to motivate and inspire, set expectations and establish accountability, handle challenges and reconcile with failure, we shape lives. This is why teachers are not simply service providers but role models, mentors and sometimes counselors.
Music is our art and teaching is our vocation, but the people we help along the way define our purpose and make our jobs meaningful. In a world that is increasingly separated and polarized, music can bring us together if those behind the music see humanity as our greater responsibility. We are truly thankful to our teachers for their pursuit of this greater goal and we truly value our students and families beyond words.