New focus for 2023-24

Blog post 6-21-2023

I've been reflecting on the 2022-23 school year and why it was so draining and overwhelming. I realize it was overwhelming because I gave up my prep period to split my Intermediate Orchestra into 2 classes. I'll never know if that was the right decision, but halfway through the school year, it felt wrong. Now I know.

The other overwhelming part of teaching is a generation of children trapped by the pandemic missing valuable and critical year(s) in a school environment. I don't blame parents. Parents were trapped trying to figure out how to maintain family finances, keep everyone safe, and hang on emotionally. Some had it easy, but most were in a fragile situation.

So, I have a plan for the 2023-24 school year. I will go back to basics and use the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki as a beacon throughout the school year. This quote, in particular, stands out in my mind:

"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. They get a beautiful heart." 
― Shinichi Suzuki

I want to focus on growing good citizens with beautiful hearts. I will update this blog to dissect my progress and hopefully have experiences and understanding that will help other teachers grow our wonderful children through the medium of music.

​Cheers!