05/20/2022
Wise words from a kindred spirit; thank you, Dr. Stacey Garrepy, for your willingness to share; I hope you read through to the end. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you're interested in this kind of music education for your family! Our open enrollment classes are operating through the Summer!
"Teaching talent and skills are important in music, but talent and skills will only get a child so far; it takes character and perseverance to get the rest of the way there.
It matters more to me that a child will take time to be persistent at their instrument and keep going when they feel discouraged than inherent “giftedness.” It matters to me that a child will take the time to help another student who is struggling and lead their peers, rather than demand perfection in their performance and be angry when it doesn’t happen. It matters more to me that children go on to be lifelong music makers who want to share that love with others than any professional career aspirations they may harbor. And it matters more to me that a child enjoyed the music making involved in an audition process, rather than wrap up their identity in the results.
This is what I endeavor to teach through music. Not perfection, but excellence. Not perfectionism, but tolerance for mistakes, and a humble heart of teachability. Not pride and arrogance in talent, but gratefulness to God for the beautiful gift of music, and a heart to steward it to the best of their ability and serve others."
