My colleagues and students probably don’t know how much I appreciate them. I’m not sure I do quite enough positive reinforcement when I teach especially in the classroom. When I’m teaching a voice lesson I do say a lot of “good,” “nice sound,” etc. But when I’m in class, especially this semester, I say way too frequently things like, “Please be quiet;” “No, by now you know I don’t accept late homework;” “Excuse me, can I please teach my class.”
I have a senior in my freshman theory class. I’d like to thank her for her hard consistent work this semester. I’d like to thank her for keeping me on track with regard to the schedule. (I call her my schedule TA.)
I have several 1st year students who are working their tails off in my theory classes. They are struggling with the material and really setting themselves on a good course for success in the theory area. I’m thankful to have students who work so hard.
I have several students who are a handful but are an awful lot of fun. I can thank them for being enthusiastic (even when it’s disorderly).
Similarly, I have some amazing voice studio students. Folks who show up ready to work every lesson and who have obviously been working hard in between lessons. Every once in a while a student makes an amazing technical discovery, and that is very exciting for me. I am thankful for those discoveries.
I have a few students who are really great about singing in voice area class and performing on extra recitals. One student really “wowed” some young voice students at a community recital. I am so thankful that she shared her talent with them and inspired them.
I am thankful to work in such a beautiful place and have a steady secure job. I am thankful to have a great work environment overall, even though little (and big) things get me down from time to time. I am thankful that I am treated with respect by my colleagues.
I am thankful for the people I have met through music associations like the College Music Society, the Association for Technology in Music Instruction, and the Music Teachers National Association. I have learned so much from my colleagues and have enjoyed getting to know people at conferences this past year.
Filed under: Music Theory, UM | Tagged: applied voice, music conference, professional organizations, thanksgiving | Leave a Comment »