I once told someone that as I say "Good-bye" to a student and they walk out of the door, another new student walks in and I get to say "Hello". Summer is the most transitory time for me. I have two students leaving to go to college, others that quit for the summer "only" but never return, and still others whose lives have become so busy with school, sports, and church that they leave too.
But I have four students that started last winter that are now going into the first grade. I'm also teaching several teens who are really interested in learning to play instrumentals in place of strumming and singing. And one young lady who wants to learn to write her own songs.
These kids know that much of what they hear is constructed in a computer and not composed on an instrument. They don't care. They feel that actually playing an instrument suits them better. No pre-recorded loops, or computer generated tones. They want the real deal.
To someone looking in from the outside a natural assumption might be that I have heavily influenced them. But these kids arrived with that attitude. I merely validated it and offered them a way to proceed. What's really funny is that they are showing me videos of people that I've never heard of and asking to play like that, long before I can show them videos of other players doing much the same. In some ways I'm getting schooled by my students and I love it.
I also need to remember that one size does not fit all. I am not going to be the right teacher for everyone. There is a winnowing process that can get a tad uncomfortable. But I'm fortunate to be associated with many other fantastic guitar teachers who teach the things that I don't. A simple change and they are on their way.
But for those students that I continue with, there will be musically exciting times. Those moments that touch their lives and open their minds to new possibilities.
The beginning of the school year brings turmoil, but in a good way. New grade, new teacher, perhaps a new school for the kids, and new "Good-byes" and "Hellos" for me. For all of us the potential is palpable. With focus, effort, and faith with can do great things.