Here’s a little nugget you might not know about me – I teach the violin and the piano. Recently, I’ve decided that I want to share my experiences with you lovely beings via thenellybean; as you already know, I love writing about everything I love talking about. Music is no exception and I think this section is long overdue.
Bit of background – I went to a music specialist school on scholarship as a specialist violinist, and was classically trained there for 8 years. During my time there, I met the most incredible teacher I have ever had. I won’t name names for the sake of confidentiality – she was my violin tutor and to this date, remains one of the most influential people I have ever known.
“What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.”
– George Bernard Shaw
Why? She planted a seed in little ole me. Over the years, I learned and saw for myself the value of teaching and how pivotal a good teacher can be for any of us. I didn’t continue to pursue music professionally after I graduated but since moving to London, I have continued to dabble in freelance playing whenever I can and most of all, I pursued my love of teaching music to students of all ages. ALL ages – you’d be amazed!
This new section of thenellybean will revolve around this – I will be discussing my experiences as a music teacher, some musings-type posts, and maybe some practicalities of the trade. I’ll have some posts on tips and resources for any of you teachers out there (you don’t have to be a music teacher, I enjoy teaching algebra just as much as I do scales on the violin!) Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see – I could honestly ramble about this stuff until the cows come home.
I hope you enjoy this new addition to my blog – music has always been a very personal thing for me, mostly because it’s always been such a huge part of my life and it’s often one of the first things that come out of my mouth when I introduce myself to people. I’d be lying if I told you that it didn’t feel slightly alien writing so openly about my musical experiences on the internet but nevertheless, I think it’s time I included it in my little blog. Honestly, all makeup-free photos aside – this is the most “me” you’re going to get.
Next post in this category coming up soon on “Why Do I Teach Music?”. Until then – you go girl.
– J
I find it so inspiring that your teacher not only taught you violin, but also to love music. It’s so nice that you have been inspired to share this with others through your own teaching. For me too, music is something I love and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who introduced music to me. I can’t wait to read more of your posts on music and your experiences!xx
Awh thank you lovely! xx
Ohhhh you special, talented lady. I am in awe. I love that you have this passion, and having a son that dosent fit the mould of school, I KNOW the importance of a good teacher. Well done for being inspired this way xxx As I know we have discussed before, I was desperate to learn an instrument, and the violin and piano were two i tried I wish you lived nearer to me, I would hire you to teach me for sure! I would love to hear you play, do you have anything on youtube?
Oh Kerry you sweetheart! I hope your son finds a teacher who makes him feel supported and believed in – it’s so important especially if the rest of school life isn’t so accommodating. I would loove to teach you, I’ll let you know if I ever move to Essex one day! No youtube I’m afraid, but here’s a link to some of my recordings if you fancy xx https://encoremusicians.com/Janelle-Soong?tab=2
I will defo have a listen xxx Thanks for sending me the linkx
No probs, hope you enjoy! 😀 xx
Wow you have hidden talents! Sorry I’ve been missing for a couple of weeks I’ve just started a new job and I’m travelling every week for work! My blogging has taken a hit whilst I settle in but hopefully I’ll get back into the routine again soon! Xxxx
Awh don’t apologise! Hope the new job has been going well, all the travelling sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to see photos of what you get up to on your blog xxx
That sounds fascinating, as a fellow teacher I can’t wait 😊!
Oh wow, check you out making a difference to your students’ lives 😀 Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy these posts!
Oh I look forward to more of these posts. I studied music in school thanks to my dad instilling a love for classical music as a child 😊
Awh thank you, your dad sounds pretty great! Thanks for stopping by xx
😎cool
Thanks 😀
Cool! You are so talented! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
http://www.thisissivylla.com
Awh thank you Sivylla!
I’m looking forward to reading these posts – partly because I’m a freelance teacher too, and partly because I think you must have some really interesting stories about music and how it changes people’s lives.
Awh thank you Kirsty, I’d love to hear about your teaching adventures one day too. x