"This Is Me" as a Teacher

I've been seeing more piano teachers express how they teach is different than other teachers and they are good with it. The truth is mostly so am I. In the over fourteen years of educating my students through my studio Potentials Music, I have evolved so much. I've become the student right along with them, learning new music and theater from my students and others. Yet who I am as a teacher is based on my environment, schooling, experiences that make me who I am. As India Menzel stated, "I'm a versatile artist" and reality, so am I with voice, piano and acting lessons. Yet there is more of me. I'm been blessed to perform in the community, play and sing at my church, compose, direct music theater in various venues, choreography shows.

I'm a silly, funny, jaded, sarcastic teacher. I push my students to the next level, being a serious educator. I play games that are beneficial for my students' growth. Yet I'm my worst critic, convincing myself that I'm not a great teacher when the student is struggling with a concept that I'm trying to explain or if I'm struggling that day. I take myself too seriously at times. I also try to learn new music and theater that is "bigger than myself", which can frustrate me, even though I try to play the music well and do the theater scripts justice. My YouTubes, Website and Social Media may not get a large number of "hits", yet I still do what I can to help other musicians and actors be successful through what I've learned.

I've been blessed to have moments where I'm creating music and games for the students, including your students to be successful. Those moments recently are few and far between, yet I try. I'm the teacher that I am because of the teachers who helped me in school and life. My parents spent endless hours taking me to piano lessons since I was seven years old. My College Professors who saw the potential in me, were the ones I needed to advocate for my success.

I'm not perfect at what I do, yet I strive to serve others. A servant's heart and being humble will change everything. I love my work, yet there are moments that I question if I'm in the right career, if I'm helping. Yet thankfully when I teaching it changes the perspective so much more.

This blog might sound like a hodgepodge of opinions, yet they are transparent. To quote The Greatest Showman song title: "This Is Me". I am who I am and I'm always trying to learn something that will help my students fulfill their ultimate potential.

Thanks for reading the blog by the way. What are you learning in this season you're in? Would like to know. Thanks for your support. Blessings.