I received a text a week ago that warmed my heart and made me smile. It was from a piano student that recently graduated from high school and just completed his first two weeks of college at ASU. He was coming home for the weekend and asked if I could meet him at the church and teach him how to play the organ. Of course, I emphatically replied, “Yes!” I have been his teacher since he came to me at level two and part of his journey was learning to play hymns.
As we sat on the organ bench together, more as friends now, I was able to hear about his transition to college life. We laughed as he told me that he fit his digital piano in his dorm-room. He was shy and introverted in high-school, and it was so apparent to me in that moment what a blessing music is in his life - it has given him a voice and a passion.
We explored the incredible sounds and capabilities of the organ and how it works. He played hymn after hymn getting used to the different touch, and he commented that he now understood why I told him fingering and legato playing is important to transition to the organ. He was even brave enough to play with the foot pedals. It was rewarding to watch him smile as he enjoyed the sounds he was creating and to realize he will be able to play the piano and organ throughout his life.
Don’t ever forget that what you do as a music teacher is important and really matters in the lives of your students. I heard a quote this week from Wendy Stevens that really touched and inspired me.
“You teach the most beautiful language in the world to the most beautiful of all creations.”
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the August Brunch, and I look forward to our September General Meeting where we will learn from each other how DVMTA events can help us meet our studio goals. Make it a goal to attend so you can learn and grow as a teacher.
Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024
Read the full September 2022 Newsletter
As we sat on the organ bench together, more as friends now, I was able to hear about his transition to college life. We laughed as he told me that he fit his digital piano in his dorm-room. He was shy and introverted in high-school, and it was so apparent to me in that moment what a blessing music is in his life - it has given him a voice and a passion.
We explored the incredible sounds and capabilities of the organ and how it works. He played hymn after hymn getting used to the different touch, and he commented that he now understood why I told him fingering and legato playing is important to transition to the organ. He was even brave enough to play with the foot pedals. It was rewarding to watch him smile as he enjoyed the sounds he was creating and to realize he will be able to play the piano and organ throughout his life.
Don’t ever forget that what you do as a music teacher is important and really matters in the lives of your students. I heard a quote this week from Wendy Stevens that really touched and inspired me.
“You teach the most beautiful language in the world to the most beautiful of all creations.”
It was wonderful to see so many of you at the August Brunch, and I look forward to our September General Meeting where we will learn from each other how DVMTA events can help us meet our studio goals. Make it a goal to attend so you can learn and grow as a teacher.
Tammy Shorts
DVMTA President 2022-2024
Read the full September 2022 Newsletter
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