We music teachers have a wonderful job! What other profession allows you to use your creativity, enjoy wonderful music, and change lives? It’s thrilling to watch students learn focus and self confidence while developing their potential and their love of music. Few things are more rewarding than taking students who are “blank slates” and turning them into dazzling musicians. I’m thankful every day to have found this means of feeding my family and my soul. But teaching does have its challenges—getting kids to practice, charging for make-up lessons, dealing with interfering or reluctant parents, and inspiring students to become successful performers. In this book I’ll share with you my personal journey of teaching music and developing creative solutions that make our jobs more effective and rewarding.

I’ve been a private flute teacher for more than thirty years. During that time, I’ve learned a lot, much of it by trial and error. Did my music and teaching degrees help? Yes, but I wish they had included more practical techniques. Through the years I‘ve honed my skills to create a studio of students who are motivated to learn and work hard. I’m fortunate that my students have a track record of winning competitions at the local, state, and national level. Don’t get me wrong, teaching students who win awards and scholarships to top colleges and conservatories is great, but awards and recognition are not my greatest reward. They’re not even the best evidence of my teaching skills. My greatest pride comes from knowing my students enjoy playing and love their lessons with me. My greatest satisfaction is in seeing how my teaching inspires them and enriches their lives, long after our lessons together have ended.

In this introductory chapter, I will summarize a  method that has helped me meet the many challenges we all face. It’s a simple but life-changing method that will improve  the quality and enjoyment of your teaching and make a more lasting impact on your students’ lives. In short,  the Music for Life viewpoint will transform your teaching style.