I know school has been in session for upwards a month now but, as kids and parents alike have been taking their time figuring out their own fall schedules and trying to settle into a routine of sorts, violin teachers are the last ones to receive a timetable that is remotely stable. Consequently, this week is the FIRST full week with all my new students, and there are a few. This year I am also teaching on Saturdays which is a new thing for me and hopefully a good one.
Last night I whipped up some cookies for them as a treat for the start of a new year of learning music. I quietly mulled over the events along the trail of my first week back teaching.
-a little fellow that is either borderline genius or borderline OUT OF CONTROL. Quite possibly both.
"I need you to stop playing. Stop moving your bow. Stop it NOW!!!"
*followed by an INTENSE and highly dangerous stare with his squinty eyes and determined little lips almost embedding themselves into his 6-year-old-skull. His stare most likely would have killed me right then and there if I hadn't put on my top of the line teaching-scowl-shield that morning.*
Followed by him playing D minor chords up and down the piano.
"Do you play the piano?"
"Nope."
"Huh."
-a longtime student of mine breaking down into uncontrollable sobs and alligator tears, asking for her Mom.
-a little one that is pretty certain that her violin is IN FACT a GIRL. Wha???
-a fresh-kindergarden-er curling up on a piano bench upon entrance into his lesson and falling asleep. School is a big deal for these little ones. Why pack their already roller-coaster-NEW-routine full of another extracurricular activity? Ah violin teachers, we're always the slave drivers.
-a little one that is most likely Webster's definition of adorable incarnate. Her little cardigan and pleated skirt with polka-dotted tights, grinning ear to ear the whole time.
-a little 7-year-old that is already playing Bach's minuets and too darn smart (and CUTE) for her own good.
"Mrs. K, I memorized all my pieces, and have been working on adding dynamics, and I am pretty sure that my bow is straighter than you've ever seen."
It is good to be seen. Welcome back dear ones.
2 comments:
Erika I love your writing style! And the best thing is that I can totally hear your voice when I read, it's like you're talking in the same room. Keep up your creative self, and your friendly self, and your yourselfness...
Sounds like you've had an eventful first week of lessons! I hope that your Saturday lessons are a good thing!
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