Why I Love Teaching Children How to Sing
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Teaching is so much more than just a job
Teaching is not just a "job" to me - it's my joy! I absolutely love it. I would still teach children to sing (and play the piano) even if I was not compensated. There are other ways to be compensated other than with money. I hope none of my students are reading this. :-) For an example, there have been times when I just did not feel up to par and wanted to cancel teaching for the day. Maybe I felt a "bug" coming on and my energy level was low, or perhaps the day I am scheduled to teach I get a phone call that leaves me worried about a family member. Whatever the reason for my wanting to cancel lessons, I almost always decide against it and go ahead and greet my young singers with a smile.
I always end up feeling better after I go ahead and teach. It ends up being wonderful therapy for me. What a blessing it is to be called to teach. Yes, teaching is so much more than just a job.
Those who can do - those who can't teach?
I don't know who started this myth, but I sure would like to have a word or two with that person. I know from personal experience that this just isn't so. I have been a professional singer and pianist all my life, done very well at it, and combined a career of both teaching and performing. So, I do not want to hear that "Those who can do and those who can't teach" This is absurd. I am both an award-winning singer/pianist and an award-winning teacher of piano and voice.
And the great Operatic Tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, is hailed as the greatest tenor of his time and loved teaching voice.
I just had to throw this in, and it feels so good to sound off. So now that I've had my say, I will continue with the reasons I love teaching children to sing.
Luciano Pavarotti
The #1 Reason Why I Love Teaching Children
It is really very simple - I love teaching children because I love each and every child. They are a constant reminder to me that learning music must be fun. Keep lessons easy enough so the child does not feel that they lack in talent or understanding, yet challenging enough to promote growth and development.
For me, to teach is a calling, not a job. To know that I hold a seed in my hand, and depending on how I nourish and care for that seed, it will grow to become a flower.
I am by nature a positive and nurturing person. Perhaps that has something to do with why I love to teach. To think that what I say or do will influence a childs life is huge. Young people come to me with little or no musical knowledge or experience and it is up to me to introduce them for the first time to what music is. It just has to be a wonderful, positive and rewarding experience for them. In teaching adults, I hear the same thing repeatedly. "I hated my music lessons as a child and begged to quit". This is tragic to me. Music lessons should be a fun and rewarding experience for children (and adults).
Teachers should remind themselves that the very singer or pianist they are training may grow up to be the next Singing Sensation, or Concert Pianist. I treat them all as if they will be.
I learn from my students
I never cease to learn something new and wonderful with every lesson I give. I may have taught the same vocal techniques a thousand and one times, but still each child teaches me something new. This is yet another reason why I love teaching children. I remain completely open and welcome whatever new information comes to me.
My calling offers me a way to give back to the world. I have such a wonderful opportunity through teaching to use my knowledge, talent (from God) and experience.
Music can be healing to both the body and the soul. As a teacher in this field, how marvelous it is to help others learn to apply this through singing, piano and music appreciation.
And finally, as a senior, teaching children keeps my mind active and my spirit young.
These are some of the reasons why I sincerely do love teaching children music and all that it entails.
I am indeed blessed and very grateful for the opportunity.
- Sing To Me
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This is so great! What a blessing
Hello, Hello - I thank you for commenting on my hub. And yes, it is divine to know how to sing. Blessings to you.
Thank you drchrischasse for your positive comments. I appreciate so much your taking time to read my hub.
What a wonderful hub - you are so blessed you are doing something you love. I can just see how you love must flow onto the children and them back on to you which makes it great for all.
I can definitely understand the rewards of teaching singing to children. I teach the piano (my youngest student is 5 and the oldest is 13). It's hard with the older ones just because I'm 18 so the older the are, the less respect they have... but that's another story. :)
Luciano Pavarotti was amazing. My friends think I'm crazy because I enjoy opera. I especially like listening to Pavarotti sing "Nessun Dorma."
Anyway, why am I telling you all this? Great Hub! I enjoyed reading it. You sound like a fantastic teacher and thanks for mentioning that horrible myth: "Those who can do, those who can't teach." THAT'S SO WRONG. :)
As a prior teacher I understand what you are saying. The students taught me things they had no idea of. As a businessman turned teacher, I had learned to suppress my feelings of anger.. I was afraid of it... I saved years of "therapy" by teaching! The first year (I taught science 5 years) I would tell a student, "sit down, stop talking etc." Seconds later the student would ask me a question in a normal voice and had "forgotten" (got over it) and had engaged in the learning process. I began to realize, I could express myself as being angered and let go as quickly as I felt it. It was a catharsis... I learned "anger" is OK, it is like any other attribute, recognize it and have the wisdom to express it in a healthy manner... Great hub.
Hi Billy, Yes - I am indeed blessed to be able to teach music. I must thank my Mother for her influence on me. She loved music more than anything. Billy, I just spent some time re-reading some of your amazing hubs. Especially the articles having to do with hubpages. Your article on "Accolades" was both impressive (I know that wasn't your intent but it was all the same) and full of wonderful and useful tips. Thank you for commenting. I always look forward to what you have to say.
Dear Kaltopsyd - Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment on my hub. We share something very special, teaching young ones music. I, was 16 when I began teaching piano and you are 18. Do not allow your young age to "block" your talent for teaching. Always be professional and your goal to educate. In doing so, students who are closer to you in age will respect you, follow your direction and the age difference will not be a problem for you or for them. I admire your taste in great singing - we also share that. I am here to help you anytime.
dallas93444 - What great progress you were able to make with expressing anger through teaching. You should write a hub about this. Thank you so much for commenting on my hub. I appreciate it.
voted up and lovely and stumbled for good measure.
Rebecca - Gee, thank you so much. Certainly appreciate you.
Hi, vocalcoah. This is a great hub. I also love teaching because I love children. They are my joy in life. Keep up. Voted this up.
Hello vocalcoach! Thanks for being my follower. We have a lot in common. And I too love teaching music(guitar,piano, and singing) I think through sharing hubs and comments, we will be able to conquer the cyber-world with our gifts and desire to help others! Amen.
masmasika - I have read your hubs and can tell that you are an excellent teacher. It is ovious to me that you love children. How wonderful! Keep up the good work and thank you for your vote up.
Thank you very much CMCastro for your very special comments. I appreciate your taking the time and I look forward to reading your hubs. Your music students are very blessed to have someone like you teaching them.
Thank you, vocal coach, for the encouragement and the kind respond to my comment on YOUR OWN Hub. That's so nice!
Vocal Coach thanks for your thoughts and once agin an excellent hub as the ensuing discussion confirms :)
Vocal Coach thanks for your thoughts and once agin an excellent hub as the ensuing discussion confirms :) I had to come back to Tweet this hub.
Billy - You have such a huge following - and still you make time to comment on my hubs. You are an amazing person. It means everything to me. Thank you so much.
I like what you put under the first picture about each child being wrapped differently. That is so true! I don't teach music, but I do teach my children and it does keep you young. I wouldn't do it if it wasn't a calling, because it is a hard job. The benefits are well worth it! I wish I had you around to teach my children music. It is something we are missing out on right now, but I am praying that the Lord will fulfill that soon.
Specialk3749 - Your children are indeed blessed to have a mother like you. The most important calling for a mother is to teach (mostly through example) and of course, to love unconditionally. I, too, wish I were able to teach your precious ones. I do however, teach children singing through a video program known as skype on the computer and will be writing a hub all about that very soon. I am so happy that we have met. I love hubpages for so many reasons. Thank you for your wise comments. I will be reading and commenting on your hubs as well. Bod Bless!
Well I'm so grateful for teachers like yourself, I love to hear children sing and in fact while I can't teach them how I can teach them a song... I wrote this for kids and think you might enjoy teaching it. Feel free use it how you will. Peace :) http://hubpages.com/hub/I-Like-Myself-a-fun-song-f
What a wonderful song for you to compose. I will be teaching it to my little singers this week. You have a gift dear katiem2. You are generous to share this gift with so many. I truly admire you. A wonderful hub for all to read. Thank you and keep writing songs.
Beautiful hub! I'm glad you're sharing your gift with children. I sing, too!
habee - Wonderful! Are you a soprano or an alto? Send me an email - I would like to hear all about your voice. Thank you for commenting. Appreciate it.
Beautiful and inspiring Hub. I enjoyed every word of it, as well as I enjoyed beautiful energy that comes from your Hub. Singing is certainly beautiful gift that helps people on so many ways. Your small students are very happy to have you.
Peace and love.
Tatjana-Mihaela, my new friend I thank you for such an inspiring comment. You are intuitive. I can feel that when I read your lovely hubs. I welcome you to my world.
Let us share this energy together. Peace and love -
I enjoy teaching children (more than adults) to sing. They have an ability to learn much more readily and can take criticism (usually) better. I haven't taught in a few years now, and really miss it. Great hub, vocalcoach. I wish you the best with all of your hubs.
"Harmony is much more melodic when the melody is in harmony." :)
ProCW
You are so kind. I appreciate your comments and love your Harmony quote. Its so great! How wonderful to meet you on hubpages. I plan on reading all your articles, so keep them coming. Thanks again.
I, too, think it's crazy to separate those who can do and those who can teach. Some great teachers aren't great players, but it seems like it would be hard to teach advanced repertoire if you haven't navigated the pitfalls of the repertoire yourself. There are also great players who are great teachers, but also there seems to be a lot of great players in the classical performance world that are so dedicated to their own playing that they make lousy teachers.
Perhaps that's the source of that stereotype.
daddyjb - You present an excellent interpretation of a phrase that has bothered me for years. I am looking forward to reading more of your hubs. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
WOW! You really must love children! And getting them to imbibe your passion for singing? You are truly a gifted teacher! Kudos! And God Bless You!
Purple Perl - How very good of you to take time out to comment on my hub. I do love children very much. One of the perks I recieve is a reminder to acknowledge the "inner child" and love her as well. I learn so much from these precious treasures. Thank you
..their gift is having someone like you with your tireless dedication and passion ...... remember that song from Coca Cola so many years ago now - I like to teach the world to sing .... in perfect harmony - well there is always a perfect harmony resonating from your hubs and gracious attitude about life and living!
epigramman - You are so kind and have a big heart. You have no idea how good it feels to be appreciated. I shall carry these comments with me and reflect on them often. Thank you dear man.
What a beautiful hub. Being a teacher, I can relate to having to push yourself some days to even get to class. I love teaching children as well.. they are so loving. Your gifting really shows. Blessings.
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Hello, hello, 22 months ago
Thank you for your interesting hub. It must be lovely to beable to sing properly.