"All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them." Magic Johnson

We have a lot to accomplish on our "Teacher Checklists" each week. Right?

Learning an instrument is a complex endeavor, and we can easily become consumed by our lists of what we need students to do to become the musicians we know they are capable of being.

And - before you think otherwise - please know, I think those lists are REALLY important. If we don't chart a course for student progress, lessons get aimless real quick.

At the same time, an important (often overlooked) part of planning for our students is finding ways for their uniqueness to shine through their work.

As I talked about Studio Traditions this week on the podcast, I was reminded of a specific tradition from my High School Choir days.

At our Spring Concert, graduating seniors were allowed to perform solo numbers, pending a successful audition. My sophomore year, two senior boys were set to perform John Lennon's Imagine: one on keyboard, the other on vocals.

Mind you, the boy on keyboard did not actually study piano. He just learned the (ultra-repetitive) chord pattern and off they went.
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Well, despite having learned it correctly, in the concert performance, he got stuck on the verse and couldn't figure out how to get into the chorus. It started out as an awkward, cringeworthy moment, but the more he tried - and failed - to find the chords for the chorus, the funnier the moment became.

These boys were comics at heart, and the way they reacted to the catastrophe (especially considering the mellow song selection) made the concert memorable in all the best ways.

Their true personalities were on full display. It was entirely "flawed" by any measurable standard, yet they somehow managed to give the performance of the night. Even my parents talked about it for years to come.

That is one of the most vivid memories I have from a high school choir concert. Maybe it's because I had a hopeless crush on the wayward keyboardist (true story), but I really think it's because these young men were on full display as their truest selves.
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​There's something really beautiful about allowing others to see you for your strengths, even amidst your struggles.

...and that's what I want for the musicians under my tutelage.

Even in moments of imperfection, I want my students' strengths to shine.

Take a moment and think about the students you'll be seeing today. What are their strengths? How can you put those to use in their lesson experience?

Have a gifted speaker? Let them give the Welcome speech at your next recital (most of you hate those anyway!🤣).

Have a gifted artist? Ask them to design something for your studio wall.

Have a gifted athlete? Have them make you a list of their favorite "hype music" that gets them pumped for the big game.

Showing interest in the music important to our students (without judgement or other negative commentary) is a secret-weapon, of sorts, to building relationships with our students.

Acknowledging our students for the multi-faceted PEOPLE they are is a win-win situation every. single. time.

Did you have a teacher embrace YOUR strengths growing up? If so, click that REPLY button and tell me about it! I want to know.

🥂Cheers to building our Teacher Plans in a way that always leaves room for our students' strengths to shine.🥂

Other Ways I Can Help You:

On the Podcast This week, in Episode 155, I talked all things STUDIO TRADITIONS. Listeners are reporting this episode to be a treasure trove of ideas, so be sure to check it out! Links and Transcript Here

Share Your Traditions Here! Speaking of my episode on Studio Traditions, let's try something! For a limited time, I'm leaving this Google Doc open to anyone for editing. If YOU have a favorite studio tradition, click here and share it! I'm going to leave it open for two weeks, then I will give it a final edit to organize by topic, etc. Of course, I'll share the final product with you. Click Here to Add YOURS

Patreon Community DID YOU KNOW: For $6, you get access to the archives of Teachers Teaching Teachers? That's currently 12 hours of enlightening teacher conversation related to repertoire, problem-solving, and more. Plus - you'll have access to join the fun of future meetings live! (and Monday Morning Power hours... and the Gifts of Imperfection book study chat recordings... and more!) This group has solidified itself as the ULTIMATE symbiotic relationship. It benefits everyone involved. If you're looking for more Teacher Community in your life, this might be your next right step. Explore the Patreon

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire If you're not familiar with Melody Bober's A Perfect 10 series, these books provide the best of "both worlds": historical literature AND corresponding pedagogical originals by Melody herself. ​ I love selections from every level in this series, so be sure to explore all of them! Melody's Winter Memories, featured in Book 3, is a personal favorite (and our focus for February's Teachers Teaching Teachers on 02.23!). Check it out!

A Favorite Thing I shared a cute reel on Instagram last week about one way I use magnifying glasses in my teaching. ...but the possibilities are truly endless. Looking for proper handshape? Let me grab my trusty magnifying glass... On the hunt for accidentals? Here - use the glass... Find them on my Favorites List

Free Stuff! I've recently updated my page of FREE downloads. ​ Spend a few minutes perusing these offerings! I'm confident you'll find something useful there. Get Your Free Stuff!

NOW: Hit that REPLY button and tell me about a teacher who helped YOUR unique self shine. 🥂

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