Dear Readers,
I just composed a "letter to my students" for use in the packet I give to my students when they begin lessons with me. This packet now contains this new letter, plus policies, and a schedule of times we will have lessons (and won't). Thought my blog readers might like to see the letter, since it contains info about me and about my teaching. I think it has some good advice for all students and an interesting outlook for teachers to consider as well.
Hope you all are well and happy.
Michael
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A LETTER TO MY STUDENTS
from Michael D. Purvis, BME
Dear Students,
This letter is written in an attempt to tell you a little about myself, since I am your new teacher. In addition, it will give you a good idea about what the possibilities are for you in regards to instruction here in my studio. Finally, it addresses how you might make the most of your learning experience.
About me, your teacher:
My education and related experience…
My education includes a Bachelor of Music Education from Butler University and masters work from Butler and IU in literature, art and music. During the course of my career, I have taught music in public school and private study settings, performed extensively as a professional musician, lectured on music and the arts for activity professional certification courses and The Indiana Alzheimer’s Association, and created arts programming for the elderly in all elder settings. I have, as well, administrated and designed curricula for a children’s theatre, implemented a major Eli Lilly grant involving children and theatre, worked with children with special needs for Very Special Arts, produced, written and directed an educational television show for cable TV, directed various children’s and adult choirs, and acted and music-directed for community theatre.
My creative life…
Since my college graduation, over 20 years ago, I have taught many students, ages 6 – 100, in a variety of subjects in music and the arts. I have, as well, performed over 6,000 professional musical performances for elders living in various settings. Finally, I’ve written (and often illustrated) many books for children, youths, young adults, adults and senior citizens in various genres, including: fiction, poetry, self-help, and home-study instruction. In many instances, I’ve created audio and video versions of my writings. To see these offerings, visit my websites: Music-Outreach.com, Abundantchange.com, and PlaySingNDream.com.
About my studio and specifics about my teaching:
About my studio…
When one enters my home and studio, it is evident that I love to do many things. There are traces of my loves wherever one looks: on the walls and floor, in every nook and cranny. In my home and studio, I currently teach, write, paint, craft, illustrate, make recordings and films, publish my creations, and create web-sites. Somehow, I manage to do all of this in limited space. If you have to step over an easle, computer, loom, or microphone to get to the piano bench, I do apologize in advance. (I try my best to keep it all organized and artfully arranged as possible, but it is a bit cramped. Hopefully, all that aside, it’s an inspiring place for you to receive instruction!)
Specifics about my teaching…
I instruct students in guitar, piano, voice, music composition, and music theory. I also incorporate life coaching, when appropriate. I enjoy sharing expertise and helping others to gain knowledge and fulfillment. I sometimes teach just one thing to a given student. Often, to meet a student’s goals, I craft a course of study which includes several things. I utilize my background, experience, and education (which includes teaching, literature, music, art and drama) to create a special individualized curriculum for each of my students. In short, I help persons of various ages get where they want to go… personally, creatively and professionally.
What sort of students come to my studio, and what do they hope to learn?...
If they are very young, my students come to me to begin their experience with the arts. If they are a young adult, they are often trying to sharpen their skills and break into a career in the arts where they will be performing on the stage, performing music, writing, or composing. (Sometimes it’s all of these!) If someone comes to me in middle or old age, it is often because they are on a sort of personal quest to express or fulfill themselves. They have reached a certain age and find that something is “missing.” Studying an instrument or the voice is often just the ticket to help them find that sense of personal fulfillment or expression they feel they are lacking.
How can you make the most of your learning experience?...
Whatever your reason for entering my studio, I welcome you…
Together, we will work hard to help you achieve your dream. Remember, though… it’s a process. You came here with a goal… but enjoy the process. While you are in the midst of your process, you are already doing what you came here to do! It’s not, “Gosh, when will I ever learn to play guitar/piano/sing as well as I had hoped?!?” Instead, it’s, “Hooray! I’m doing what I came here to do! I’m enjoying this!”
Work steadily, daily, in the organized structure I provide…
But also help me adjust that structure and your assignments (if needed) by communicating often about your progress, feelings, disappointments, and successes. If there is special music or a special assignment that you want to incorporate into your practice, let’s find it together. That way you will have special material which motivates you. This can be key in helping you to enjoy your study and keep up your momentum.
Finally, remember that daily practice is the key to success…
Make practice a part of your daily life, even if some days you can only do a few minutes. Just as lunch, sleep, and teeth brushing are a part of your routine, so is practice! Daily practice, as opposed to intermittent practice, will help you to experience what I call “the music fairies.” If you practice each day, while you sleep at night, the music fairies will come and wave a magic wand over you. (This sounds goofy, but hear me out.) Then, when you practice the next day, all of a sudden that thing you have been struggling with will be magically better! (It’s sort of like the tooth fairy, only better!).
If you practice daily, your progress and your joy will be increased…
Remember, “Slow and steady wins the race.” So get as close to daily practice as you can. Doing something every day is preferable to a marathon practice just before your lesson (although, FYI, the marathon is better than no practice at all! )
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Ok, that’s enough for now… Please take a look at the policies and schedule attached. I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Michael :)
