At the time of writing we have 115 students. We have 6 teachers teaching approximately 130 hours a week of lessons. We have recitals, performance videos, internships, gig opportunities, and ensemble playing. We have students “passing” the orange books, and graduating to 1/2 size violins, and auditioning for State Auditions. We are making Music Work.
But sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes, despite best efforts by teachers and students, lessons aren’t working.
I have been guilty of assuming that when lessons don’t work there’s some sort of reason. Surely there is something wrong, and we can fix it with doggedness and hard work.
Don’t get me wrong – I still believe that a little bit. We can optimize a student/teacher’s experience: Maybe your budding pianist is a guitarist? Maybe take a break during soccer season and resume during baseball season? Maybe double down on practice habits?
But maybe there’s nothing to fix. It could be possible that the student has learned what they need to know. Maybe 2 years of piano sparked a love of music and now the student wants to be in band? Maybe the adult student learned that bucket list piece and can play it with confidence? Maybe the vocalist graduated and wants to sing recreationally but not academically? Maybe the student realized that music wasn’t for them.
That, my friends, is not a failure. Any teaching — ALL teaching — is designed so that ultimately you fire the teacher (!!!) There is a point that the teacher has taught enough. The student gets to determine if they have the tools they need to continue their goals. If not – more study; If so – it’s time to change.
Quitting lessons doesn’t mean you failed. Our time together is full of music and laughter and learning and joy. Our time making music was worth it even if it’s time to stop lessons. Music is valuable regardless of length of study.
One of the joys of my life is that I get to build relationships with my students. Now in my 25th year of teaching, I have forged lifelong relationships with my students. I receive cards and notes from students I had as children that are now full-grown adults. I’ve met students’ children. I’ve met students’ grandchildren. Some of my best stories start with, “So I had this student…”
And yet I do not have a single student that has been by my side for 25 years. Every single student has “quit.” That is not failure by either one of us. That’s life! We evolve and move on. You need to know that I’m still rooting for you — that won’t change. I’m cheering on the piano majors that stayed with lessons. I’m also cheering on the professional photographer, the physical therapist, the realtor, and the full time grandma. Our time was meaningful and worth it. We made some darn fine music, and now it’s time to change.
While I recognize this isn’t my greatest post from a business model perspective, it is my truest post from a human perspective. Learn. Try. Grow. Change. Where ever you are in the journey, it’s my honor to join you for as long as it’s meant to be, until it’s time to grow and change into something else.
Music Works Iowa 