My last blog encouraged singers to continue studying over the summer. This next entry, however, is a reflection from the flip side; how a teacher feels about teaching over the summer. Voice professors experience burn-out just like voice students, so what about teaching over the summer? I typically like to spend my summers traveling, squeezing in extra workouts, and catching up on all the tasks I neglect during the school year, mostly home improvement projects. Often my students scatter over the summer, either going home or juggling two jobs. I usually teach very little during the summer.
This summer, however, has proved to be different. I have had a number of students who have wanted to continue their studies, and I am so glad they did! I always enjoy teaching and am passionate about what I do, but I admit, I do enjoy my vacation time. But what a joy it has been to teach these last few weeks.
Today in particular, I was reminded of why I love what I do. Sometimes students forget that teachers are people, too, and that we also have bad days, get cranky, or are worn out by the end of the semester. But there is something magical about teaching during the summer, and I recently had the most rewarding day of teaching. Maybe it was because all my students were relaxed after having a few weeks off. Or maybe it was because the lessons were for self-improvement with no worries of juries or auditions. Or maybe it was because I had not taught for a few weeks, and I really missed teaching. More than likely, it was a combination of all those elements. Whatever the reason, today was fun and inspirational. Every student I taught had a light-bulb, “aha!” moment. And that was most likely because each of the students had accomplished a recent performance, audition, or jury, so now it was time to re-evaluate technique and make new changes. I must confess, I was a little unenthusiastic at the thought of teaching at my university for six hours straight during my summer vacation, but I emerged at the end of the day completely energized and inspired.
As singers, performers, musicians, and life-long learners, we get as much as we give, and today was a perfect example of that. Each student entered my studio with a great attitude and open mind, and I fed off of that positive energy.
