In three words: passion, responsibility, love.
We have all heard the phrase “Those who can’t do, teach,” which is completely ridiculous. Maybe there is truth in it for the few, but isn’t that the same in any job? This certainly isn’t the case for me. I have been fortunate to study at two world-leading conservatoires on two instruments. I have chosen to pursue part of my career in teaching because I have a huge passion for excellent education. Perhaps it’s my calling as I have been told countless times (each met with the same awkwardness that comes over me whenever I am complimented), “you’re so good”. Perhaps we should adjust the phrase to “Those who do well, can’t always teach”. Believe me, this is something I feel is far more nearer the truth. Teaching is a privilege.
This statement might be an alien concept for many musicians: I genuinely enjoy teaching. I was brought up around teachers and my mother was a very dedicated and well respected educator which I have no doubt, has influenced my career choices.
There is a stigma throughout the classical musical world that you’ve failed if you teach. I felt this a lot whilst studying; which is ironic when studying at conservatoires as they are attended by students to be taught by teachers. But, I also feel that teaching and education is being celebrated more now than ever which is a sigh of relief! A long time coming.
There is an absolute responsibility for passing on knowledge to future generations. Without teachers we simply would not have the musicians we have today. Musical education is now more accessible than ever thanks to the internet and social media, but despite however wonderful and exciting this level of accessibility is, you can only go so far in your musical journey without a teacher.
Teaching an instrument, and music as a whole, needs to be taught properly from the outset. For me, properly includes, but is not limited to: technique, musicality, general musicianship and enthusiasm. I have had many students, younger and older, use YouTube or an app on their phone to initially learn the piano before starting lessons with me and they have all begun with bad habits; from pianists being hunched over the keys and playing with wrists so low; to singers where their mouths barely open (I have told several students that I don’t teach ventriloquism…) and singing with absolutely zero support and so much tension the discomfort must be immense! The challenge in this situation remains the same with the thought “Why would you trust me with your learning rather than YouTube creator an app that has thousands or even millions of subscribers?”. The student usually knows that they’ve reached a limit of what they can learn independently before they begin lessons, completely unaware that part of this is due to the technical problems they’ve picked up along the way. I have to remember that they are here for lessons with me mostly because of my qualifications (I am genuinely nice too. And I care!).
How many content creators on YouTube or an app have conservatoire level qualifications? I can never blame a student who wishes to learn an instrument in this way as anyone wishing to learn an instrument should be celebrated. However, the best and most, dedicated, educated teachers who will be able to guide you to the best of your ability are probably not providing free videos on YouTube. There will never be regulation over who can post on Youtube or who can be promoted in an app and thankfully, students see very quickly that their progress after only a few lessons picks up rapidly. They soon understand that online videos can’t replicate what you can achieve in a one-to-one lesson, let alone turn you into a concert pianist or an opera singer ready for their debut at the MET.
I teach to give the very best education that I am capable of in order for the utmost enjoyment and expression to be explored and experienced by every student; to treat them like they are tomorrow’s Pavarotti, Brendel or Du Pre.
I care. Without instilling the proper technique from the outset, no student will ever convey the honesty of music, nor will they reach their full potential. I truly feel that it is my responsibility to embrace my passion for teaching and inspire through my genuine love of music; to keep alive the skill and craft of playing an instrument in a world that has largely forgotten the meaning of music.
As always, thank you for reading.
S
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