Jubilee Piano Studio
Sykesville, Maryland
Musings by Cindy...
Do You Have a Vision?
From January 2011, Op. 31, No. 1
“When I look ahead at the whole year, I tend to feel overwhelmed. When I think of the goals that I have for myself and each of the students I teach, I have to step back from the immediate task list and pray and plan for the bigger picture, the most important things. Several conversations recently have reminded me of once big challenges or obstacles that have become places of satisfaction and pleasure when they were overcome. Often during a lesson I am reminded of things that a student can do so easily now that were struggles just a few months ago.”
Thrive: To grow or develop vigorously; to flourish...
-American College Dictionary
From February 2010, Op 30, No. 2
I approached this January evaluation period in a new way. Considering each student, I asked the question, “IS THIS STUDENT THRIVING?” I reviewed several things: the work that they have been doing this fall, the notes that I take at the end of each day, my general sense of the student/teacher partnership, their energy level. I asked questions: for instance, “Do they initiate musical ideas or suggestions?”, “Are they inquisitive?”, etc.
Thoughts on Practicing...
From January 2009, Opus 29, No. 3
I’ve been re-evaluating my evaluation strategy for the end of the first semester. I found an interesting blog, “The Music Ed lounge”, an on-line forum for music teachers created by Steve Engel, and was interested in his discussion about practice. After watching a video in which musicians Winston Marsalis and Yo Yo Ma are discussing musical things, Engel remarks that the memorable line from Yo Yo Ma is “I hate the idea of practicing.” Think on that a minute. Be amazed.
New Beginnings...
From October 2007, Op.28, No. 1
This fall, September 2007, is the beginning of my 27th year teaching piano-full time that is, and before that student years and other part time teaching years. I hope that these years of dedication to something that I love have given me some experience and wisdom worth passing on as I accept the challenges of guiding students into the love of music. Each time I have a conversation with a prospective new student and try to sum up the qualities that make for good learning experiences and successful pursuit of the joy of music, it all seems to come back to good music and a disciplined plan to learn that music. You might recognize this next piece “Perfection vs. Excellence: When Practice Motivates” as I wrote these thoughts down last year, but reading them this late September day reminds me how much they still ring true so I’ve accepted the risk of sharing them with you again.
SURPIRSE!...
From October 2006, Op.27, No. 1
Time has passed quickly and the approach of our first Class Lesson Week prompts me to make some observations about the upcoming class lessons. In talking with many music professionals who share my enthusiasm for the importance of class piano experiences, we all agree that the time spent in the class setting plays a unique role in our musical learning. We don't learn music and musicianship in a vacuum. Practicing day by day, measure by measure can be satisfying, to be sure, but becoming a musician doesn't happen only in the privacy of your living room.
Simple Persistence...
From October 2002, Opus 23, No. 1
"During the California gold rush a prospector named R. U. Darby helped his uncle mine a vein of gold that his relative had discovered. It appeared at first that they had a prosperous find. Yet the vein soon disappeared, and Darby and his uncle searched frantically for the spot where it continued. Finally, they concluded their prospects were hopeless and sold their equipment to a junk dealer. The junk dealer consulted an engineer, then began mining the shaft again. He quickly discovered the elusive vein and a supply of gold worth millions of dollars--just three feet from where Darby and his uncle had stopped digging. The story brings to mind how our important battles in life are often won by simple persistence.