Looking in the Mirror
Last week, I was given the gift of seeing myself and my teaching from without on two different occasions. Firstly, Matthew Odell was at the college to do a workshop and masterclass and to accompany soprano Cindee Sanner’s recital. He gave us a wonderful session on technique and then expertly applied the principles he had discussed earlier during the afternoon masterclass. The students and teachers were inspired and totally immersed in his teaching.
As the day progressed, I realized that the work I had been doing for some years to integrate better technique into my playing and teaching had truly come to fruition. I was able to ask Matthew some good questions and, afterward, was able to put his teaching into context for my students who asked me some quite astute questions of their own. I was suddenly proud that I had gotten them to the point that they could understand the implications for their playing in Matthew’s teaching.
It is startling to realize suddenly that you really have reached a goal—that, in fact, you reached it some time back. Of course, as Matthew told us, “Technique is not something you suddenly acquire and then have for the rest of your life.” I know that. It is probably why I was so surprised by this look from without. As we said goodbye, he told me that he was leaving these students in capable hands and, for once, rather than being embarrassed, I found that I absolutely agreed, on the inside where it counted, as I thanked him. Rather than encouragement, I had received and accepted affirmation.
On the second occasion, Frances Wilson published an interview I did for her blog, Cross-Eyed Pianist. We had done the interview months ago and I really had forgotten what I had said. When she tweeted that the post was going to be up the next day, I was a bit nervous.
The next morning I was busy and a bit distracted and so forgot to look for the post. I clicked on a tweet for At the Piano on Frances’ blog and there was my picture staring back at me. As I read, I thought, “I would like this teacher—wait that is me!” Twice in one week, a view from without. It is strange to look at yourself as from a distance like this and realize exactly where and who you are. I don’t think it happens very often in life or that we always have the gift of recognizing it when it does happen.
So, If attaining a goal is the end of something, I wonder what the next beginning is for me???
It was a pleasure to feature you on my blog, Gail, and I found your responses to my questionings interesting, enlightening and insightful. I am glad the interview also offered a different angle on yourself, so to speak. I recently did one for a new blog on memorising music and, like you, I found myself thinking about how I approach music and my teaching in a new light. These “challenges” are good for us, as teachers and musicians – they encourage us to think in new ways!