Right about now is usually the time when my studio is in transition. The spring recital is ending, school is out or close to it, and I’m announcing fun summer plans. This year I have realized that although the transition looks quite a bit different, we are still in transition as we navigate what this summer will look like!

As with all times of transition, I like to take a few moments and reflect – both on what went well and what I can do better.

The past few months have been grueling, exhausting, and even rewarding. The coronavirus shut everything down, and yet music still happened. And I am amazed at what has sprouted through this storm!

My students have pushed through and conquered, and I have realized that there are many blessings that have come out of this time that would not have been possible any other way. Now please don’t get me wrong, I am THRILLED as I look forward to the days when I get to see my students face to face. I am excited for some sense of “normal”, even if things may never return exactly how they were.

As I’ve reflected I wanted to share three thoughts with you today ….

1. We have realized how important music is in our lives!

Our students have discovered music provides an activity that cannot be canceled by a pandemic. They have realized how it can be a calming and stress-relieving influence in their lives. They have realized that music is meant to be shared with others, to bring joy in dark places.

2. We have begun to realize how precious in-studio time can be!

I am pleased that almost all of my students chose to work through the quirks of online lessons. We have made it work, and I have been grateful for the chance to see them and continue their learning! BUT almost all of them have realized that in-person just can’t be beat. When we head back in, we are all going to appreciate the experience that much more!

3. I have tried new things – new things that I never would have given a second thought before the pandemic!

Some have been glowing successes …. and others utter failures. But I have tried new things and encouraged my students to do the same. There will be long-term benefits to knowing how to set up online lessons. Have the sniffles but still feel okay? Let’s do online today! Emergency comes up and the student is left at home? Online today!

 I am constantly encouraging you guys to expand and try new things. Please know that I am right here in this boat with you!

My latest experiment (something I NEVER would have tried before) has been our online recital! I have enough qualms with technology that I was not ready to jump in and do it live. But having the YouTube channel turned out to be the perfect solution! It allowed for families to watch it at their own convenience, and it also allowed us to share our music with friends and family who would likely not have been able to attend an in-person recital even if all was normal. This has given the perfect platform for my students to share their hard work during this crazy time!

It’s slightly out of order (my welcome message is about 3 videos down now…), but you can check it all out here 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJWjt87ujCYYProSaH2QzZA?view_as=subscriber

You’ll notice different personalities coming out, various costumes, and pet bombs (one kid plays with a chicken on his head!). This is because we had a “Best in Show” competition for 7 different categories. It has made this a memorable recital and brought joy to this teacher’s heart 🙂

When life gives us lemons …. we make lemonade! Let’s remember that even though we may feel we’re in over our heads right now, there are always positives to be grateful for!