The last in-person lesson I taught before all this craziness of the global pandemic and self-isolation began was March 19th. It's been a new adjustment teaching most of my students online the past couple of months, as I mentioned in my last post.
And now, as of Tuesday May 12th, 2020, I restarted in-person lessons with a couple of my students here in my neighborhood. To be honest, it was a little surreal. I think mostly because I had gotten so used to doing pretty much everything via webcam, even meeting up with friends or family, that what was once considered "normal" now seemed "foreign." To be sure, I wasn't scared like some people would be. But it was slightly different than before, since I had committed to wearing a mask at all times within my students' house, didn't touch their piano at all, as well as restricted myself from touching anything else except my own belongings. I asked my students to handle their own lesson books because I wanted to reduce possibly spreading the virus via surface contact. I'm sure these students thought this was all strange as well! Today on the 13th, I had another in-person lesson, this time at a local music school where I have a few students. The requirements for everyone coming in (teachers, students, parents, employees alike) was to wear a mask, of course maintain 6 feet apart, and sanitize all surfaces after touching them. Thankfully there was a keyboard in the same room I was teaching in where I could demonstrate for my student, while she played on an upright piano. It was still a little surreal, especially not seeing that many people there on a normally busy Wednesday afternoon (there was only the office secretary and one other teacher with their student). Going forward, I'm confident more students' families will be willing to restart in-person lessons, but I know I have to proceed slowly and with caution, and give them reassurance of their families' health and safety. But I foresee most people wanting to continue webcam lessons via Skype, Zoom, etc. So I guess this is our new normal. An this is only one example of many different workers across all kinds of different fields adjusting to a new way of doing their job. Who knows how long this will last....
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About two weeks ago, my one adult violin student, Nancy (yes, she gave me permission to use her name and other info) forgot her lesson book at my place when she left. I told her about forgetting her essential music, and she asked if I could drop it off at her work. Of course I said sure---she needs this book to practice her assignments for that week! Well it turned out that she OWNS this wonderful Asian restaurant, Aristo Bistro (which you should check out if you're ever in Westlake or west side of CLE), and to thank me for doing something so simple and expected, she treats me to FREE dinner, which included two main dishes, plus two types of rice....plus some cash. I tried to refuse all this, but she insisted, saying that in her native China, teachers are almost revered, and she considered me like her personal Confucius! That day I felt so appreciated as a teacher, and it opened my eyes to how blessed I am. The point I'm trying to make by telling this story, is this: fellow teachers, including private and public teachers of all subjects, tutors, mentors, and personal trainers, we may at times feel like none of our students, mentees, or clients appreciate us, but always know there is at least one person who thinks very highly of you and your expertise, so keep your head up and keep doing what you're doing! Also on the flip side: students, do something to show your teachers that you are grateful for them! Even if it's some small gesture, like a card or flowers or their favorite treat....just let them know that you've made a difference in their lives.
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About this blogHello world, this is your friendly musician friend and teacher, Joseph! This is where I share my thoughts and feelings about anything and everything music-related. Enjoy! Archives
September 2022
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