The Privilege of Being a Singing Teacher

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is watching what happens when a pupil is curious, absorbed, and enjoying themselves: learning tends to take care of itself. Being able to witness that - and support it - is the reason I love teaching. 

I'm very aware that I'm lucky. Singing is rarely something people are made to do. Unlike maths, or even piano lessons, singing lessons are usually the singer's own idea. That changes everything. My pupils have chosen singing, and that choice brings a level of investment that can't be manufactured. It puts me in a fortunate position as a teacher: I don't need to persuade or push. I can guide and support.

That suits me. I don't think I'd have lasted long teaching a subject where motivation had to be imposed. I know myself well enough to say that I'm not at my best when I'm trying to drag someone along. I'm much better at noticing what's already there and helping it grow. 

And that moment when something clicks, or when someone realises they can do something they didn't think was possible - there's nothing quite like it! Even 20+ years on.