Think, for a minute, of one the most influential teachers you have ever had. They may not have been your favorite. Or, you might be especially fond of them as a coach, mentor and encourager, even a friend.
Recall their voice, the inflection, tone, accent. Recall the phrases of instruction, gestures and coaching that have stayed with you all your life since studying with them.
In my mind, I replay phrases of my HS and college piano mentor and teacher when working on new accompaniments. Each time I sit at the organ bench, especially of an instrument new to me, I hear the first words of that teacher about where to sit and how to approach the instrument. I recall numerous creative imagery phrases of voice teachers and yoga instructors that coached me to new abilities and levels of awareness and confidence.
In music and dance and yoga and academic pursuits, part of our identification as professionals is who we studied with. When speaking with new colleagues, our introductions often include who our teachers and coaches are, or have been.
As a freshman college piano major, I was surprised when viewing a repertoire class video of myself that I strongly resembled the gestures and technique of my teacher. I thought at the time, "Gosh, I must have been paying attention." When attending yoga classes other than my seasonal "home" classes, I realize how much I automatically respond and move in postures (to whatever degree of success) as a student of Iyengar yoga.
And, so it must be with our teachers, too. Their approaches, gestures, technique and artistry reflects their teachers and mentors. We are part of a long line of skill, energy, wisdom and passion. All of our success is built on what we learn from the teachers and mentors we choose to follow, even as we create our own blend of those influences.
Now, as I direct a choir, teach instrumental lessons or facilitate classroom learning, I am humbled to think that some of my words might be remembered in this same way. Much of what I say, I can't recall myself. And, the free flow of metaphors and imagery that I use in classes and lessons may or may not stay with me. But, the best of it is inspired and modeled by my own teachers and coaches.
I hope that
my words and actions might be as helpful, meaningful and memorable as
theirs. For, as our teachers depart this life, we and our students will pass on their voices to the next generations.
