(no subject)

[violachic]

I just got a phone call from the mother of one of my former students, someone I had at the music store that finally screwed me over one last time a couple months ago.

At the end of last spring, my student did an audition for one of the local youth symphonies. While she's getting quite good and fairly advanced, she has never had an orchestra program at school, so she has absolutely no group-playing experience beyond some duets, and the Christmas-at-Borders thingy I did with my kids a few years ago. She and her mother were a little worried that she wouldn't get in, but I reassured her that she would at least get accepted into the training orchestra, even if she didn't make the concert orchestra.

Turns out she made the concert orchestra. Yay!

But I guess she went to her first rehearsal on Sunday and felt extremely overwhelmed, and really felt like she was in over her head.

So tonight, her mom called me up and asked if I'd be willing to give her a tutoring session. Keep in mind that I haven't heard from any of my former students since I left the music store, mostly due to the fact that the psycho lady who thinks she's in charge has been saying all sorts of rude and nasty and untrue things about me. Of course I'd be happy to give this kid a tutoring session! I do really miss those kids, plus I felt horrible about having to just up and leave them. Plus, I get an extra $30.

I asked the kids mom if she had been studying with anyone else since I left the store. Her mom says, of course, they stayed at the store with the guy who was hired right before I quit. He's Japanese and Suzuki trained, so the psycho lady who thinks she's in charge of course immediately thought he was the Cat's Pajamas. Then the mom says "but... but... he's not... you!"

Fuck yeah. You better believe it lady. I'm good. There was a reason I had the lowest student turnover rate ever in the history of the store. They just don't know what they lost. Now, knowing that doesn't put cash in my pocket, but at least its nice to know there is one less thing I can beat myself up about before I go to sleep tonight.

I'm a good teacher. I'm a really fucking good teacher.

Comments

[bloodredrosev.livejournal.com]

Hey, are you doing any teaching on your own now? I mean, would it make sense for you to take students in your own home, and work independently?

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I starting teaching one day a week out of a local high school after school last spring, and its working out pretty well. I only have a few students there right now, but I'm looking to expand. That's totally what I want to do right now- teach independently and gig as much as possible. I'm not sure if I'll regain this student or not, for several reasons, but it would be nice if they spread the word that I am taking students and see if any of my formers come back to me :)

[karenb2.livejournal.com]

That is so cool that your student got in, & all the way, too. I hope she'll get to the point where playing in a good ensemble is worth the early anxiety.

Is there any way you can put up fliers at schools, for example, the ones your former students attend?

[violachic.livejournal.com]

I probably could. However, my former students all attended such a wide variety of schools, I'd have to make educated guesses as to where they were. Plus, the venue I have for teaching now, I'm not sure they'd drive out there (I know, I know, can't hurt to ask :) ). Also, I don't think any of the school districts those kids come from have orchestra programs. Worth a thought, though.

[bitbucket.livejournal.com]

You really should consider going independant with your teaching. It's something you love, and do quite well. Those are always the best career choices.

[violachic.livejournal.com]

See impending post for details :-P