You're not bad either

As some of you might know, when I get really into something, I know what I want to get and I"ll go get it... naa, I don't think it applies to every damn thing in my life, but most, I believe. Especially when I teach. Sometimes, I know bloody well how I want it to sound, and I just gotta have it or else I cannot take it. Yet in the process, at times, I neglect how the students feel and their struggles. Wasn't I once a small little ignorant kid too?

Just a thought.

Anyway, had a really good day today. The choir (shall not name) sang well, and they were so full of live and energy! Man, awesome! That's what I love to see in kids and young people like them. They sang like they were laughing and rolling around on a green hill.. really awesome.

In the evening, I taught Trpta and Cheryl. These days I'm beginning to watch myself to see if I"m over pushing the kids. And I try really hard to remember that they are just children who cannot see what i see or hear what i hear inside my head. But Trpta is really improving. What makes me happier is that she works awfully hard. Because of her effort, I find myself always working doubly hard when I teach. Today, we were working on her third piece, a rather jazzy one. There I was, really trying to drill into her the 'feel' and rhythm and dynamics.. and we had a fun time stumbling around with our duets (we play one hand each) and me demo-ing the damn piece.. and suddenly she said amid her chuckle "you're a good pianist". Well, I was a little shocked actually. With all the shouting and pushing I do, that was well.. rather unexpected. But with a smile, I replied "you're not bad either" ... and I saw that joy in her eyes.

You know, honestly, teaching is really rewarding. It seriously damn is.