I have been teaching singing for a number of years and now the time has come for my first students to fly the nest. I will never forget these students as I feel I have grown up with them. I began to see singing from a different angle when I sat behind the piano in front of them for the first time. I firmly believe that we learn more about ourselves by teaching others and that is exactly what has happened to me.
While we try to keep certain boundaries between ourselves and our students, we can't help but form a special bond with some of them. I am about to say goodbye to a number of young people who I have grown very fond of and, while I know I will see and speak to them in the future, I am saddened to know that I will never sit on the other side of the piano from them again.
My experience was a little different to most of my students as I wanted to pursue a career in music and therefore the singing lessons and practicing didn't stop for me just because the Leaving Cert came along. I understand that hobbies can fade and college life brings a whole host of new opportunities for these young people, but I do find it hard to know that most people will stop singing and stop playing instruments once the Leaving Cert practical is done. I'm sure they will always love music, but their close relationship with it may end. I always say that I have students from age 8 to 18 and age 40 plus but sadly the vast majority of people don't continue or begin to attend music lessons in their 20's and 30's. Some people even ask me if adults can do singing lessons!
If you are about to sit your leaving cert, please take time, if only now and then, to pick up your musical instrument or take out your song folder. Music doesn't stop at age 18, it is for life.
While we try to keep certain boundaries between ourselves and our students, we can't help but form a special bond with some of them. I am about to say goodbye to a number of young people who I have grown very fond of and, while I know I will see and speak to them in the future, I am saddened to know that I will never sit on the other side of the piano from them again.
My experience was a little different to most of my students as I wanted to pursue a career in music and therefore the singing lessons and practicing didn't stop for me just because the Leaving Cert came along. I understand that hobbies can fade and college life brings a whole host of new opportunities for these young people, but I do find it hard to know that most people will stop singing and stop playing instruments once the Leaving Cert practical is done. I'm sure they will always love music, but their close relationship with it may end. I always say that I have students from age 8 to 18 and age 40 plus but sadly the vast majority of people don't continue or begin to attend music lessons in their 20's and 30's. Some people even ask me if adults can do singing lessons!
If you are about to sit your leaving cert, please take time, if only now and then, to pick up your musical instrument or take out your song folder. Music doesn't stop at age 18, it is for life.
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