Teaching was definitely not effortless yesterday. I had several very young students (five and six years old) and they take a lot of energy. But they are fun too. One little girl played a full chromatic scale and Hot Cross Buns for me. Her reward was to learn Mary Had A Little Lamb. She was so excited that she couldn't hardly wait to tell her mother. A young boy played several simple songs for me and was thrilled when we went on to learn another.
I'm often asked if I get tired or bored teaching simple songs like Old McDonald. The answer is always "No"! These songs put a smile on my students faces. How can anyone get bored making other people happy? Besides, I know what lies ahead. I know where the road can lead.
These lessons were book-ended by two advanced students. The day started with a fourteen year old boy who brought in a transcription he found of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata". It's technically very hard but he's going after it like a dog with a bone - with purpose and determination. He will play it in time. My last student was a fifteen year old girl who is playing a 19th century waltz. She's learning to play with style and grace and when she "gets" it her smile (braces and all) is infectious.
I find the teens to be fascinating because they have choices. I know from our conversations that they listen to a wide variety of music, including pop and rock, but they choose to play classical. I'm not sure I would have made the same choice at that age. Also it takes a pretty solid work ethic and I'm pretty sure I was way too lazy back then.
One lesson I learned late in life is that worthwhile things always take effort. These kids have either figured it out already, or are figuring it out now. I find that to be impressive and inspiring. So yesterday took a lot of effort, but it was definitely worthwhile.