An education stemmed from love

Since early twenties, I have always wanted to educate my students with love and not the conventional way. When I talk about education, I will always be reminded of my teachers who would shout at me, yell at me - though with good intentions. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame them but there’s something in me which feels that there must be some other ways of educating students.

When I finally get a chance to teach, I kept reminding myself “Don’t flare up, teach with love.” Then, the other me couldn’t surprise the anger. I would then ended up shouting at them or scolding them. Exactly how I grew up with. After shouting at them, I would feel guilty and often question myself if I have dampen their confidence or spoilt their learning experience. 

Things went on for a few years and I decided to take a break from teaching. I didn’t like the way I was. Things didn’t change when I became a mother of three. I was mean and strict to them although I hold on to the principle to teach with love. I wanted to, but I didn’t know how. 

It was in 2023 when I decided to send my youngest son to a Waldorf kindergarten. I came across Waldorf in 2015 but due to financial constraints, we couldn’t afford to send our eldest to a Waldorf school. Now another chance arrived. I quickly enrolled my youngest, L to this Waldorf school 15 minutes away from my house. It was the best decision ever. 

The place was filled with love - I could feel it with all five senses. It was beyond words. The children were happily playing - climbing trees, building sand castles, swinging on a swing, running around barefoot. There were angelic voices singing freely, smells of home cooked food from the kitchen, not to mention the sight of nature surrounding this place. You wouldn’t call it a school by looking at it!

L was only 3 then, he had separation anxiety but after a while, he loved going to this place - school. There was no stress, no fear, no negative emotions. You might be worried, how about learning? I can tell you, you don’t have to be worried. In Waldorf school, there is a time for every learning. This education meets your child at the place where your child is ready. In short, why rush? What good does it brings to graduate early? Why teach your child something he or she is not ready for? 

Then I realised, life is a long journey. Learning never stop - there is something that meets you at certain stages of your life. It can never be beneficial if you force something into someone who is not ready. Let time work its magic on the students. 

Now that I am a Waldorf school music teacher, I gradually find my own way in bringing music into my students’ life. There is no longer shouting or yelling in the classroom, it is now replaced with laughters and joyous moments. Are they learning it right then? I can’t be sure of it but what I am sure of is they love music - it will be their lifelong companion. Isn’t it what music education means? 

Christmas Recital 2014

Today is the 2nd day post Christmas Recital which we had on the 3rd of January 2015.

This recital was done at my residence. This is to provide a platform for the students to perform and showcase they've done for the past 6 months (coz we had a mid year recital earlier on). This time, this recital is a bit longer, about 1 hour. With 12 pieces and 10 students performing. On average, each of them has to perform 2 pieces. 6 pieces of Christmas songs and 6 pieces of other songs. There were 2 chambers, few duets and few solos.

Me too performed a duet piece with Han Zhang

Refreshments after recital. Thanks to Agnes, Celine's mum and Yu Keat's mum for the food.

Presents giveaway session after the recital

Overall, I would say this recital was a success. Everyone practised hard for this and they reap what they sow :) Although the room was small and not everyone can fit in but that's the best i can do. Hope i get a chance to find a bigger space to fit everyone in for the next recital. And of course, next recital will be in end of 2015 or early 2016. Can't afford to do it every 6 months coz it's really tiring to drill them and make sure they practises. With all the extra rehearsals before the recital, am really killing me. Arranging time, coordinating ain't easy. I hope it's all worth it, hope that they will love music more. 

Of course, not forgetting to thanks my very supportive husband. Who helps me clean up my piano room, clean up the house after recital, buy lunch, take care of Jaevyn throughout the recital, prepares drink, etc. I don't know what i will do without him. I love you Dear XOXO

Yamaha LU-90, my one and only piano

Yup, Yamaha LU-90 is the model of my piano. My parents bought it for me in 1997/98 after I have attended piano lessons for 5 years. That time, I was already in my grade 5 when they decided to get me one to practice. How on earth I practiced b4 that? God knows...

That time, this piano was sold to them at RM8580.00. It was a new model but made in Indonesia. That is the reason it was priced cheaper than before. I'm pretty sure my parents did not survey when they bought it coz if they did, they'd sure know about reconditioned piano and would've consider it given it's relatively cheaper price. My dad was always busy working and my mum was lazy to take care of us. All they know is I have been learning yet there was nothing for me to practice on. I was MISERABLE!

Why did I dig this story out now?
It's because I have student looking for a piano now. Her mum said that she has no knowledge on piano and asked if I can help her get one. I, being too honest told her to survey around instead of trusting me straight. My intention was to have her shop around before deciding so that she or her daughter will not blame me later on, like how I blame my teacher. Ok, I don't really blame him but I'd rather he gave few options to my parents instead of asking them to get the LU-90. I was already grade 5 then and he should've known that LU-90 is for beginners and not even an exam standard piano, U1. Now that I'm a piano teacher, I wanna give my students the best options and not making decision for them.

This parent then shopped around and saw a U1 selling at RM5500. They were psyched coz they found a cheap piano so she asked me to help take a look. I went to the shop, saw the piano and tried it out. The shopkeeper, I think who is also the boss, warned me that the piano is not for play or test. Come on, why would a piano seller stop someone from testing the piano if the buyer has intention on buying. It's like stopping a buyer from test driving a car before buying. Will u wanna buy if u're not allowed to test? Well, I can't blame her as the piano is actually a used Yamaha. It was recond, then used and now being sold as 3rd hand piano. Further usage of it will exhaust the hammer and other intricate parts which need to be repaired. Now, that's why this U1E can be sold at RM5500, and still can be further discounted.

As a lesson, if you happen to be the parents looking for a piano for your kids, do trust your teacher and I hope if u are the teacher, please think for the best for your student, not your pocket.

Violin Performance

This was taken on April's fool, 2009 at clc A2.. can be considered my 1st time performing violin solo. Shared this vid on youtube and facebook d.. so, i guess it's only appropriate to put it in my blog. Afterall, it's the 1st time :P Enjoy ya~~

Introducing Schubert's Impromptu 90, No. 2

This particular post is to introduce this piece which i currently have a crush on. I've embedded two clips from youtube, two different interpretation of this piece by two famous musicians - not including me :P -

MAGALOFF



Zimmerman



Which do you think is better? or perhaps i should come out with my own interpretation. Maybe after i did a thorough study on Schubert and why he wrote this impromptu.

Hope you guys enjoyed the clips.