I am finally ready to share my good news with you, and no mum, I’m not pregnant! Hahaha! Actually, I have had a run of good luck lately, but the biggest news is that I am now on faculty at the school I’m currently finishing my Masters degree at. I officially signed the contract this morning, though it has been in the works for a couple of weeks. I’m starting with just one student, but it will be a great test to see if university level teaching is an avenue I’d like to pursue. Up to this point in my life, I’ve been heading toward a career as an orchestral musician while teaching younger students on the side because so far, that is what I love doing. With this opportunity, I will have the chance to see if I will enjoy teaching at a higher level. Anyhow, I am THRILLED at this opportunity and what it will mean for my resume!
I must admit, I was TERRIFIED to tell my own teacher about this. She is a wonderful teacher and has been extremely supportive of me through my struggles with depression this past year, however, she is quite particular about the order of things in her studio (to say the least!). I dreaded the moment of telling her from the time I was first asked to take this on. Turns out that I shouldn’t have… When I “broke the news” to her, she simply said “yeah, I know.” Then she told me that she was the one that recommended me for the job. All of a sudden my troubles in lessons disappeared. I finally understood that no, she doesn’t think I suck, she just RARELY gives out compliments; well, in my mind this is the biggest compliment I could ever be given. A year and a half of breaking down in lessons is OVER! I’ve always understood that lessons are meant to help me improve, and that of course I have an immense amount to learn and many more skills to refine, but I now know that I’m not playing “catch-up” to where I should be. I work hard, I am skilled, and I am dedicated to the continual improvement of my playing and musical understanding. Aaaaah, what a good feeling! I don’t think I have ever been this content before. It’s lasted for a week so far, and I will do my best to ensure that it continues.
