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The Joys of Teaching Music. What I Have Learned from My Adult Students. The Joys. Joe-the actor Olive-the landscape architect Terry-the electrician Becca-the head of nurses UC. The Agonies. Tom-the stiffs Polly-the rhythm Patty-three fingers Nilda-the arthritis Janice-the headaches.
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The Joys of Teaching Music What I Have Learned from My Adult Students
The Joys • Joe-the actor • Olive-the landscape architect • Terry-the electrician • Becca-the head of nurses UC
The Agonies • Tom-the stiffs • Polly-the rhythm • Patty-three fingers • Nilda-the arthritis • Janice-the headaches
The Defeats • John-the entrepreneur • Diana-the technology specialist • Steve and Gracie, the professionals
What I learned • Encouragement speaks volumes • 4 week rule • Communication-I help them reach their goals • Find correct situation for student • And now-tuition based teaching • 20+ aren’t the same!
Discovering Decades Long live adults!
The 20’s • New in the workforce • Experimenting with likes and dislikes • Still used to being in educational environment • Has disposable cash • Still hanging with friends
Stephen • Rhythm and blues (R&B) writer • Takes two lessons a week • Wants to be the best he can be in the business • Has a GOAL!
What I learned • Have to be adapt at different styles • Seriously must fill his gaps! • Must help him to apportion his time-set schedules • Scales are important!
Matt • Artist by trade • Sensitive/shy • Loves to listen to bands • Jazz is his favorite • Loves bluegrass • Loves classical • Single, tall—girls love him!
What Matt has to say • Feels great after lessons • Likes the contrast of “surface” work and “deep” work • Opposite of cramming for test • Something that lasts forever
What I learned • He is SERIOUS about the piano • BUT Watch for concentration laps-stretch • Have to go over everything before leaves-detail how to practice • Watch for great ear! • Be willing to share
The 40’s • Worried about job, family • Want to feel “safe” • Self “nurturing” • Looking for a way to satisfy a “craving,” but not sure what that is or can change • Often in a transition
The 50’s • New 40’s! • Not afraid • Making a fool of self • Asking questions • Saying “I don’t know” • Saying “I’m sorry” • Busy, fulfilled, happy • Looking into arts for creative outlets, life enriching • Intrinsic aesthetic cup of tea
Jill • Singer/voice teacher • Bright • Energetic • Well-rounded • Happy • Loves music • LOVES the piano • Touches her deeply
What I learned • It is okay to divide time up into “units”-fulfill desires of student • It’s okay to make lessons an “event” • Be well rounded in my knowledge • Adapt to physical challenges
The 70’s • Enjoying family • Usually retired • Filling life with meaningful adventures • Reflexes slowing • Body can feel and show wear and tear of life
Joe • Widow who has remarried • Taught himself to play • Family man • Loves to play • Busy— “re-tired” • Physical ailments that he works around
What I learned • Rhythm– purple and blue! • Touch/look/talk • Not too many marks on page • Do small amounts-repeat! • Pick pieces same in both hands • Use Joe’s vast theory knowledge
Mark Witte The Writing Life by Annie Dillard: "You were made and set here to give voice to this, your own astonishment."