The end of 2013 also brought about for me, the end of an epic era as a music educator. It was a bittersweet moment as I gave my last lessons to graduating high school students with whom I have had the privilege of teaching since they were tiny, little preppies! So many memories have been flooding back to me as I reflect on the amazing journey of working with these tiny tots and watching as they grow into the incredible young adults I know and love today. It is my hope to use these blog entries as a way of reflecting on the many musical journeys I have shared with my students in the past as well as documenting new travels with my current students as we explore the world around us through musical lenses.
Approximately 12 years ago, I had the fantastic fortune to be offered to purchase an established early childhood music school in the western suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. From a quaint, old Chapel on a hill (in the suburb of "Chapel Hill"), I ran classes in music and movement for children 2 years and up, group keyboard classes for 4 year olds up, beginner strings from 3 years, as well as theory and choral programs.
What constantly strikes me as a teacher is how much I learn from my students and it was in these years at "
Merri Merri Music" that I believe my little music makers shaped and influenced, not just my views on teaching music, but in fact my whole perspective on what
music actually is!
I absolutely love this quote and I will include it in the farewell letter I am painstakingly writing to my graduating students as they embark on University study in the next few months. Some, to study music specifically, others to study Engineering, Medicine, Law, Arts, etc but all have been shaped by what they have learned through this beautiful art form:
