I’ve been trying to psych myself up for the new year. Trying to think of helpful topics to share after our two week break. I had the beginning of some ideas (new year’s resolutions and how they apply to piano practice, encouragement for parents getting back into a routine, etc) but I didn’t get very far with them. I will see about developing these topics for a future episode but I accidentally got the inspiration for this week’s topic when I looked at one of the reviews on my iTunes account.
“I’ve been teaching 15 years and have seen a lot….”
I love that, even with 15 years experience, you are still actively learning and growing with your students.
I, honestly and truly would love to talk with you and share some of your insight with the other listeners to this podcast.
“...that said, I learn a ton from this podcast!…”
This is a great compliment (not the best compliment I could hope for as mentioned in the title, I’ll get to that in a bit). To hear that an experienced teacher finds value in what I share is very reassuring.
On a personal level, I often wonder if this is worthwhile. Am I just wasting my time and effort? Am I spinning my wheels? Am I neglecting my own students?
I’ve heard more than one teacher say something like, “I know how to teach, I don’t need to attend another conference.” What a shame that is for their students.
I am very glad you are not like that.
I think that expression is true, “The more we know, the more we realize we do not know.”
“...Shelley and the teachers she interviews are so professional and creative! …”
This is also a great compliment (but still not the best one….hang on, it’s coming!)
To all the teachers and parents who have ever been on the show, this compliment is yours! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with me and our listeners. I learn so much through our conversations and I am glad to know that your interviews are helpful to others.
(Listen to Beth Hughes’ interview, Episode 042)
“Clearly the host is Christian.”
THIS is the best compliment!
It is true. I do believe the Bible. I do believe there is one true God and His Son, Jesus was innocent but died to pay for my sins. I believe I am a sinner who needs to be saved and that Jesus is my only hope for salvation. I believe there is something bigger than this.
The mental game that I play all too often is, “Is this something God would really want me to doing with my time and resources?” “Am I being selfish trying to create this show?” “Should I be bolder and more outspoken about my relationship with Jesus?”
“And clearly she feels strongly about her faith.”
Now that you’ve made it clear that my faith is an evident variable in my life and, therefore, my teaching and podcast hosting, I know I don’t have to try so hard.
One of my greatest fears is that I’m not living out my faith enough. That being said, I want to be genuine and authentic which leads me to the next thing in this review.
“For those of us who don’t share that faith, the wise thing is to step lightly.”
I will not promise to stop talking about my faith (and you didn’t ask me to) but I know I can stop trying so hard.
The Bible itself says there is a time for everything in the book of Ecclesiastes:
A Time for Everything
1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
2 A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
8 A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
The Byrds even used the first eight verses in their iconic song, “Turn, Turn, Turn” released in 1965.
I understand this principle very well when I share music in the day care and school where I teach. I am very cautious to “cast a wide net” and share music that every student can enjoy and participate in.
Coming off the Christmas season, I think it is sad that we don’t sing traditional carols at school. I’d prefer not to only use secular tunes about reindeer and snowmen.
But I recognize that in that setting I need to be careful. There are some places that must need to be what they are. My husband and I don’t watch NFL anymore because of all the political junk that surrounds it these days. Why can’t football just be football? I don’t share a lot of my political views on facebook and scroll past (or check out Facebook’s snooze feature) those that do.
My piano studio is different than school. I can be more open with my faith and the songs I present to my students. Some students want to play Praise and Worship music. Some do not. Some students don’t celebrate Christmas so I give them other pieces to play during the holiday season. No problem at all.
My podcast is also different than school. While this podcast is privately owned and I can produce whatever content I choose (and listeners may choose to scroll on by), I do know that trying to force a matter often has the opposite result.
I, too, am turned off by showy televangelists. I put many of them in the same category and door-to-door and used car salesman. I don’t trust you and I’m not buying what you’re selling.
Trying too hard isn’t authentic or genuine.
I won’t stop mentioning my faith – that would like asking Niagara not to fall – but I read you loud and clear.
You get it.
I love Jesus.
Now, let’s talk about piano.
“You’ve just lost a listener.”
You could have simply stopped listening but you took the time to leave an honest, thoughtful (and pleasant) review.
I hope you will reconsider. I need great teachers like you who will listen and give me honest feedback.
Thank you, sincerely!
Thanks for listening!
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