Watching Them Bring the Joy to Class
Watching them bring the joy to class…
Today was a really fun day in piano class. One of our beginners has been working on accidentals. I suggested he try the opening song from Harry Potter called Hedwig’s theme and his eyes almost popped. He loves Harry Potter. He’d been talking the week before about jumping on the trampoline with his friends casting spells from the books … so I knew that.
This cute boy worked on his 1st beloved (2 page) piece because he was so motivated to play his favorite song.
When he came into the classroom a week later, he had his Harry Potter cape on, dressed to play the opening theme in costume. His friend added to the fun by producing a wand from a backpack as he was playing. My teachers never knew what music motivated me. They never heard me chat about what I did while friends were over, like casting spells on the trampoline. I like to think that if they had, they would have been able to provide me with music that would challenge me beyond the method book.
I noticed the sheet music was crumpled when he returned. He told me it didn’t stay on the piano, he showed it to his friends who came over that week, it went to the kitchen table with him and even in his backpack for school. What does this tell me about my student? He was obsessing over his beloved song. I took a picture of him in his costume and the sheet music to remind myself that individual wants and needs are paramount for me as a teacher.
Oh, and the other kids in class also wanted their chance to play this once he was done. Playing music we love is motivating to practice, to polish up and to perform. It’s contagious enthusiasm when students find music they love and bring their joy to class.
