Today is not a teaching/music day for me. But I’d like to reflect on what I’ve learnt from last year.
2020 had us all off-guarded, in a way we would have never guessed, ever.
It was devastating to me at first, with so many unknowns.
In the midst of everything, I was glad to be able to continue my piano lessons to some extent. At first, I felt empty not having so many lessons! Gradually, students started coming back, new students signed up. It was somewhat normal. But I also learnt to be more compassionate and understanding with the situation and the people involved. And instead of doing a student concert in person, I decided to do an online concert for the younger piano students and an online music sharing event for the adult students. I believe that was a good move and everyone enjoyed it.
I have been doing online lessons and coaching for a few years before this whole covid situation, so it was easy for me to adapt to the new normal with the local students. I must say, I applaud the young ones who managed to pull this off – taking piano lessons online for them is no easy task! I do think the adult students are quite comfortable with it, and in fact, they might love it more since they don’t have to drive and instead do lessons at the comfort of their own homes!
I have thought about what I would do if I don’t ever have to work for a living again (because people ask you that kind of question). I still want to teach piano. It’s a joy to me and so many others. It’s a blessing to be able to connect with my piano students through lessons, performances, and simply, conversations.
I though have gotten to a point where I start to scale back my piano teaching (and all the music-related work/performance). There are just other things I have to attend to, and learn to do better. But I don’t think I will stop doing this for a long while. And I still get excited when I get new students’ enquiries, because it’s my chance to show them this wonderful gift of music and piano. I know I’m biased, but piano is the best music instrument, by far.
This year, I am excited to continue this beautiful connection with my current students and their families, and connect with some new students!
Teresa Wong