Community College

An open letter to my community college students:

Dear Students,

I am so excited by the possibilities this semester presents to us.  I'm excited to give you the tools necessary to become musicians and pianists, and I know you're eager to learn those skills.  However, there are a few things I'd like to mention before we go any further in the semester so that we're all on the same page.

1.  If you don't remember the contents of the class syllabus, please review it at once.  It will solve a lot of questions, heartache, grief, and curiosity you may have regarding what we will be doing and how I will handle things.
2.  Please read directions on your music and homework.  For example, if it says "line notes only," please don't start using space notes.  It just shows me that you don't pay attention.
3.  Use a pencil in class.  It says so in the syllabus, I've said it numerous times, and it's hard for me to grade in red pen when you did your homework in red pen. 
4.  If you don't ask questions, I don't know what you're struggling to understand.  I can help you better if you ask me about things that aren't clear.  There is a 90% likelihood that if you have a question, someone else in class has that same question.  Speak up!
5.  Relax.  Enjoy yourself.  You are not the worst student in the class as long as you are putting forth an effort to do well and better.  Give yourself some credit - it's a tough thing to pick up a new skill as an adult, and you're doing an awesome job sticking to it. 

Have a great Labor Day weekend, and I'll see you on Tuesday!

Love, Your Instructor