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Hi Megan!
I finally got the time to sit down and read all your studio related posts. Very interesting and insightful as always, so thank you for sharing! I do love the new initiative you took here to reconnect with your readers.
For years I have been struggling with my decision not to teach children. I felt quite firm in my belief that this is not an area where I can offer quality instructions, but recently I started to question myself more and more. What if my reluctance is based on insufficient didactic experience and prejudice based on personal history? I am getting more requests to teach children and I would like to hear your thoughts and examples from practice.
How to approach children as students and how to tone down my own expectations?
So good to hear from you! And, thank you for following along with my studio-related posts.
I completely understand the struggle with teaching. It took me a long time to come around to teaching. I had a very strong internal monologue that I picked up somewhere along the way that kept repeating, “those that cannot do, teach.” It stopped me for quite a while until I realized that I could be close to what I love, develop some of the performers and audience members of the future, and be a positive force in my student’s lives.
When you’re making this decision, I would encourage you to map out a curriculum and some standard lesson practices for yourself. Are you able to communicate concepts, expectations, and skills in a positive way during this planning phase? Then, think about how you can do that in person with students. Also, be honest with yourself about the real reasons for why you are teaching. I can’t endorse my own studio if I don’t think I’m in it for the right reasons for me.
Good luck! Let me know how it goes!