June 2020 - Summer Motivation
I love this picture. I took it from the calendar that’s above my piano, for the month of June. I don’t think it’s an accident that they selected “Personal Practice” as the theme for June, a time of year when motivation levels are at an all-time low. Who wants to practice piano when there are so many other fun things to do outside?
We made it through a really strange and challenging school year. Parents, teachers, and kids alike all rose to the occasion and we succeeded. Your children participated in a wonderful online piano recital at the end of May that proved how dedication and consistency pays off. I couldn’t be happier and more proud of all of you.
Naturally the instinct is to taper off and withdraw after weeks of a sustained hard effort. It’s what athletes do after a challenging race or season. Students need breaks from their schoolwork; adults need vacations to disconnect. Take a break. Listen to your body, mind, and spirit. All three are connected.
I believe that music has the power to heal and inspire during these challenging times, when so many things are in flux and there are so many unknowns about the future. We don’t know how COVID-19 will affect our families financially, whether kids will be able to return to school safely in the fall, and what the long term effects of social distancing will be on our physical and mental health. By giving your children the gift of piano lessons, you have done something wonderful for them that they don’t even realize - because it’s our job as parents to make a large portion of their decisions for them. They don’t have to like the fact that they have to practice the piano daily, or quite honestly, ANY of the things we’re going to ask them to do. By providing them with consistent activities that have value and merit, you are giving them the tools to navigate this uncertain world that we live in. I have made it my life’s mission to provide high quality, individualized piano instruction to children and adults of all ages because I believe that playing the piano is a skill that anyone can learn, and an art form that every human being can appreciate and enjoy.
I am so grateful that you have all stuck with me during the pandemic and trusted me to guide your children on their musical journeys. It hasn’t been perfect and it hasn’t been easy for anyone. I’ve made mistakes and tried to learn from them, looking to see how I can improve and become a better, more sensitive teacher. I always appreciate feedback and communication from both parents and students, and if there is something I can do to help your child, or help you support them, I’m only a phone call, text, or email away. If I don’t get back to you right away it’s because I’m either teaching or spending time with my family. They have been tremendously patient with me working from home to teach 35+ lessons every week from our living room.
Stay well, all.
With love, Beth Fischer