Two great days of music. Its definitely a luxury and honour to have befriended two of my peers and witness what do they do. Both musicians, both ordinary people making the learning journey of their students extraordinary. There are more of such people around, just that Ive yet to meet or witness it myself. They have shown that education is definitely noble career, one that isnt suited for just anybody. Music education, be it academically or as a co-curricular activity, is no simple task. Its never easy to teach any subject, even more so to teach someone a new instrument. Just these two days, Ive seen students so passionate to learn, regardless of how mundane the process can be, even if it means playing the same thing over and over again, repeating the same routine countless times under the hot sun. Their expressions arent that of a defeated person, but one who is motivated. They arent complaining about the hot sun, or asking if they can take a break, instead, they ask how to make this part better and whats next. The most beautiful part about this is, music education isnt all just about music, or learning a new instrument. Its as difficult as any other branches of education. Its about imparting to the students the right set of values and knowledge, so that as they themselves improve, they shine and motivate others, helping other people to improve. Its just like a good, contagious virus. You get to see alumni burning their free time to come back to their alma mater to help out for a very simple reason - to give back to the school which shaped them into the the person they are, and to help shape and share their experience with their juniors. However, this does not mean that when educators do not get visits or help from their alumni, they have failed. Its just a bonus for those who have extra help. Its not easy catering to a group of students, each with their own learning curve, strengths and weaknesses, let alone teaching something which not everyone may be interested in. However, if one can look beyond the value of grades, and instill in their students a sense of belonging, a sanctuary where they can grow with a sense of security, yet with enough challenges to make them a better person, there will definitely people coming back, seeking to share this same experience with others. I do envy this batch of students who have such great teachers, mentors, seniors. They have educators who would see them as peers upon graduation, and help them whenever possible if they could, even though they are no longer obliged to. They have a role model whom they can look up to, someone who watches and help them grow and at the same time, grow alongside them. They have someone who is willing to lower their standards so they students can learn more efficiently. At the same time, I have the utmost respect for the alumni who were touched by this blessing when they were students, and do actually make an effort to give back to their alma mater, helping out or even just visiting the very person who played a part in shaping them into the person they are now, a better person than the one they were before. They show appreciation to the person who once taught them, and act as additional role models to their juniors. Call it spoiling the market, call it anything you want. These people go beyond teaching only the subjects they are supposed to. They educate their students about life, equip them with enough knowledge to face future challenges. They selflessly help their students become better in the things they do, as well as becoming a better person. They motivate and inspire the younger generation to the extent that they themselves want to give back, and in turn do the same to their juniors. They are the true unsung heroes.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 15:50:10 +0000
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