I've been doing this for 40 years...

       Today, I started a new Piano Pedagogy/Skills Class, with nine participants. Later in the day I was thinking how incredibly fortunate I am to be able to do what I love. I realized I have been teaching piano for 50 years, and pedagogy for 40 years.  I am 71, and yet I still have something to offer, something to share and something to say.  And, others still want to hear it!
         I am blown away by these class members. They want​ to learn.  They are open, curious, willing to share, delightfully humorous, and yet most definitely serious about their chosen profession.  They truly realize that teachers can be a major influence on the lives of their students. So, they want to know "How can I be a positive influence?"  "How do I maintain a balance of support and understanding, and yet demand that the student show up and practice."  That's a tough order in this technological world.  Yet, I do believe it can be accomplished, and that they will learn to do this.
        So, thank you, class participants, for joining me on yet another voyage of exploring possibilities, of stretching your horizons, and through teaching others, learning  more about yourself.  I certainly do.