"wow" moments

[jpianoflorida]

so Teachers: let's hear some of your "wow' moments.     You know what I mean: those stories of students that maybe you didn't think you were getting thru to? or maybe you didn't think they like you? and one day something happens and you realize you have made much more of  a difference in their lives than just being their "piano teacher".

[lenkaolenka]

so Teachers: let's hear some of your "wow' moments.     You know what I mean: those stories of students that maybe you didn't think you were getting thru to? or maybe you didn't think they like you? and one day something happens and you realize you have made much more of  a difference in their lives than just being their "piano teacher".

Well, my WOW moments now - when people start to 'get' my invention
For example, here some pictures from Moscow - my trainees are providing seminars there and receive big deal of interest among piano teachers and general public.

In Russia we have more advanced music education and for professionals there is much easier to understand my invention, then anywhere else. In order for Russians to get Masters in music they ought to have at least 16 years of strict music training, Elementary music schools have 6-8 hours of music training a week.

But I am optimistic about the world. If Russians got it - American would get it too.

[keyofc]

Congratulations, lenk
I also think, Wow!  when I can pay my bills or when I experience a measure of success,
but I think the  kind of "Wow" talked about here is when you make a difference with one student.

[hyrst]

Hi,
I can't think of any "wow" type moments, but I generally get the feeling that my role in my students' lives is not something to take for granted.  My young students are always sharing things about friends and school and life in general, and it reminds me of their world outside my studio.  It matters to me that they want to share personally.

Also, when I see students volunteer for performances at school and things, just because they love music and performing, it is so exciting and feels like such an honour.  I know that they would not be abe to do that if they weren't learning (which is not reflecting me) - but they must enjoy music to want to participate like that (and I know that if I was a discouraging or negative teacher, they would not feel enthusiastic).  

I have not had my current students for a long time - the longest for just over a year.  But, I do think about the possible impact on my students' lives when parents talk about such things as they hope I will still be around in 10 years to take the chidren through their diploma levels - if they want to.  The thought brings about such a sense of responsibility and privilege.  There are very few non-family adults who have the privilege of working with a child for so many years and through so much development - it is really rather awesome.  It really is fairly exceptional - and the influence must go way beyond music when you really know the student.  

I love teaching!
Annah

[penguinlover]

One of my favorite moments was when I was substitute teaching at our middle school.  It was the day of the big talent show, and one of my students played in it.  She volunteered, and didn't even tell me.  It was such a surprize to me, and I was so proud of her!  Turns out, she really didn't need me at all, she did so well!

[keyofc]

I have an older man who was taking lessons from me and he had to stop due to a surgery.
Before his surgery - he stopped by to ask me if I could give him a list of things he could do while he was recovering, although he would not be able to play the piano.

It was a pretty serous surgery and he had only been taking lessons for 6 months.
He never really  took piano when he was younger.  To me - this was a "Wow" moment.
He told me  that not long after he started taking lessons - he was skeptical about ever learning and now he had made so much progress that he did not want to lose any progress.

This was very encouraging to me and I admire his tenacity.
HIs progress is slow but sure and he struggles with forgetfulness, but he was able to learn to play songs he liked and he went home with a list of musical activities he could do while recuperating.

He's a very positive man - and it reaffirmed to me that my efforts were paying off too.

[jpianoflorida]

great keyofc! thanks for sharing that! those are the real "wow" moments!