Funny Teaching Habits ;)

ABRSM Theory Exams are coming up on March 14, 2009. And recently students were busy with their school exams, which had just ended, so last Saturday, many of them have not yet fully finished revising for their upcoming theory exams . Therefore, as a responsible teacher, I chided/scolded a few of my students for not being better prepared for their upcoming theory exam, as evidenced in their sample test papers, emphasizing that they have to be more thorough and careful in their revision and during their exams. And although it is clear that my students realize the seriousness of the situation, and I have no doubt that they will do wonderfully in their exams that day in the end, they could not help but giggle embarrassingly when I scolded them. I found that amusing. ;) It's good that none of them cried, which could have been an alternative reaction. I supposed that I perfected the art of scolding effectively with a smile....ha ha ;) It's also wonderful that I have such mature-thinking, understanding and responsible students. :)

Another funny habit that I seem to have is calling my students "dear" in a very strict edgy tone of voice, when they are not perhaps fully paying attention during their lessons, and I want their full attention. It usually works, and because they sense something is amiss, they start to pay attention....The term "dear" is certainly more polite than "heeey" etc to me, and when I am absorbed in teaching/explaining something, "dear" just comes more fluently than names. Besides, I really do love my students! :)

Talking about love. Somedays, I simply cannot keep my hands off my piano keys. I play and demonstrate to students of all levels how musically amazing I think their pieces are. By sharing with them my sound world, it really helps the students a lot in their playing and understanding of their pieces. Words like "crescendo", "sweetly", "peacefully" etc, though useful, just cannot fully describe the intention and beauty of music. Last Sunday was one of these days. I must have been really enthusiastic in elucidating the beauty of a Mozart sonata to the student because she suddenly asks me if music were my greatest love. I gave a simple enthusiastic answer "YES!" The question that followed was most adorable....She asks if I love music more than my parents. I was surprised and amused, and answered that there are different types of love that can be at equivalent levels. I said that love for music is different from love for my parents, is different from love for my future boyfriend/husband, is different from love for my friends etc. This student has a most sweet view of the world. I find it really relaxing and touching a lot of the time conversing with children because they are so uncomplicated, sweet, honest, kind, and without hidden intentions.

What a nice teaching weekend! :)