LeslieUpchurch.com

I got so busy with Thanksgiving dinner - planning, shopping, and cooking - and I missed a few days again!  That is the rhythm of life!

I had some thoughts about teaching and then they slip my mind if I don't put them on paper, so to speak.  I taught two classes on Monday, one class and four students on Tuesday, and two students on Wednesday.

Let's see, I had experiences that were really encouraging and some that were discouraging.  I am still baffled by parents who won't see to it that their children practice or don't practice with them if they need the support.  Most of my students practice and improve all of the time.  I believe that if the parents cannot help the student should still play.  This does not always happen of course.

I remember the egg timer my mother set so that I would practice for 15 minutes.  I did not want to practice at that time.  I set it forward 1 minute figuring she would not notice that little change.  I know almost all students who are playing an instrument go through the not wanting to practice phases.  But if a child just starts out and does not practice, it is extremely frustrating to deal with. 

Thanksgiving dinner was great.  We always sing just one song - Pumpkin Pie.  Everyone who comes to dinner has to sing that.  My roommate from India, Neetu, and her cousin and his wife came to dinner.  They enjoyed the meal and we had a great time together.

Tomorrow I am teaching one student.  I have a recital in a couple of weeks and he is a newer student.  I also have three students on Saturday and one on Sunday.  Free lancing has its advantages, and also the disadvantage of being able to work even during holiday weekends.  The schools close then.  But I am never really closed!  All but one of the students is relatively new - well, four of the five started this fall.  The fifth student was away last weekend and the recital is approaching.

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!