Teachers

Jean

I am privileged to have the responsibility of working with peoples' greatest treasure – their children!

Watching a student's pleasure as they achieve the goals we set is extremely rewarding. Seeing things through children's eyes is a great way of staying grounded. Children are very honest and genuine and extremely malleable. As teachers we have the power to make or break! This is very serious and I stress this to all the Pedagogy students: fragile, handle with care!

It is wonderful to be a positive role model for these young people that are willing to expose themselves because I really care about them and am interested in them as a person, not just a student. What a treat to have taught long enough to have piano grandchildren!! Over the years I have encountered many children with learning difficulties or disabilities. My greatest joy has been seeing these individuals grasp the concepts and succeed!

It is my opinion that learning through discipline can be fun and exciting. The study of music develops character and valuable life skills. The student learns to take responsibility and persevere even when there is hard work involved. Achieving the goal is exciting and rewarding and helps build self esteem. The study of music is one of the best gifts anyone could ever hope to receive! When people come in to buy gift certificates for lessons, I am excited for the individual that is being blessed with the opportunity to learn music.

Group lessons have numerous benefits, so I currently schedule 3 over the course of a teaching year.

• The first lesson of the year is usually a group class where students are grouped with other students that are at their level. It is a great "get acquainted session" and incorporates discussion around the events of the year, the technical requirements and the plans for preparation for the Technique Olympics
• Technique Olympics – a competition in technique, sight reading, and ear testing. This event generally takes place in November or December and replaces regular lessons for that week. (Except for the Monday students)
• Master class/ performance class – a non-threatening performance opportunity. This is usually held in May prior to the local music festival so that students can work out "nerves" for the competition. As well, it is excellent June RCM exam preparation. Some years I have Master Classes where specialists, often RCM examiners are hired to come in and work with the students in similar levels.