How It All Began

First blog post alert!

Well well well…

This all started when I had a simple conversation with a complete stranger. I was in San Antonio for a music teacher conference. I didn’t have dinner plans with anyone one night, so I walked over to the HEB from my hotel to take advantage of a Thursday night pizza special they were having. As I was getting settled and about to bite into some delicious pizza, a woman, maybe a few years older than me, came and asked if she could join me.

Here’s the deal. I am completely fine eating by myself, especially if it is just the patio of a grocery store. I figured it would be more awkward to say no, and she didn’t seem creepy, so I thought, “sure, why not?” I told her a little bit about myself. I was visiting for a convention from out of town. I taught elementary music in public schools before deciding it was time to take a break from my job to stay at home with my little one. I told her that, while I was so thankful to be at home with my toddler, I missed teaching tremendously. I missed the unique way teaching gave me both a creative and analytical outlet. I loved the creative expression, and I also enjoyed the challenge of breaking down the creative process so that other people could experience the same joy I have experienced. I told her how I loved my little one so much, and I really wanted to go back to the classroom, but I just didn’t think it was the right time. She must have been really good at asking questions, because I guess I got kind of deep with this complete stranger.

Without any hesitation, she told me that I should start a blog and YouTube Channel. She told me that I had a lot to offer the world. She told me that, while my little one was napping, I could post videos that teach kids how to play instruments.

Wait.

What?

I have something to offer?

This was a lot to take in. Starting a video channel where I’m teaching musical instruments had never crossed my mind. I figured if I missed teaching, I could sub in some of the nearby elementary schools. But videos? Why? Why not?

When I was in the classroom, the most popular sentiment with my students was that they wanted to play instruments. There were the few that just preferred to sing the entire time, but for the most part, students expected instruments in an elementary music class.

I loved teaching instruments as much as I could, but I had some major limitations. Unfortunately, I think they are many of the same limitations other music teachers face, and I know I was one of the lucky ones.

My classes just kept getting bigger and bigger. For a few years I was given an aide to help offset the classroom management issues that come along with a larger class, but due to budget cuts I lost my aide. Being in a classroom where I was outnumbered sometimes as much as 33 to 1, I did the best I could to teach as much instrumental music as possible. With all the varying abilities and learning styles, I was limited in how much I could teach. I wasn’t able to give nearly enough personal attention to my students, and with nearly 600 students total, it was really difficult to sustain. Do you know what was much more attainable for huge classes? Singing. **Side note- this is NOT meant to discount the importance of singing. Singing is the cheapest and most accessible instrument to everyone. If you’re a vocalist reading this, I admire what you do! I simply know that I wish I could offer more instrumental opportunities for children.**

Anyways…

This is probably why most people associate their elementary music experience with singing, and maybe a few recorder songs here and there. Then there are those who didn’t have any music as part of their education at all. Like I said, I had limitations, but at least I had a job.

And then the light bulb turned on in my head. With today’s technology, I can help any child with an internet connection receive a high quality, elementary-level music education from my own home. I know this still excludes lots of children who do not have access to technology, but hopefully I can reach as many as possible. There are a lot of world problems I can’t solve on my own, but I can grant the opportunity to make music to as many kids as possible!

Teaser video coming soon!