This video caught my eye while surfing the internet yesterday. The name of the video intrigued me… “With a Piece of Chalk”. You can watch it below.
And after watching the video it was all I could do to not go running into my piano studio and plan a year’s worth of the most fantastic piano lessons I could possibly create.
Why?
Because it reminded me of the position I’ve found myself in having chosen Piano Teaching as my career. It reminded me of the power I have; the power to positively change the life path of so many children… the power to be a bright light to some children who experience moments of darkness.
It’s easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty of piano teaching. Make up lessons (shudder), chasing payments (sigh), advertising (stress), scheduling (blah)… there are parts to this job we’ve all chosen that sometimes make us wish we could just set up camp in a cubicle somewhere and live the simple life of an office drone.
But Instead, We’ve Chosen to Be Pieces of Chalk
There is something inside each one of us that has kept us here; sandwiched somewhere between a business person and a counselor. We are privy to some of the most formative years in the lives of these children we come to know and love. We pass on a gift that not only inspires but also empowers. We are our piano students’ pieces of chalk. And while (like chalk) our influence may be fleeting, the result of our inspiration will either be passed on or absorbed. Either way, we have made an impact. The magnitude of that impact is up to us.
And for that reason I will forever be thankful that I have chosen this career; this career with a name so simple it could never describe all it is I do… Piano Teacher.
Priscilla says
Thank you for that poignant reminder of what our students may deal with. Makes me want to say more encouraging words.
Anna Fagan says
This hit me on SO many levels today … thank you for sharing!
Laura Bernet says
Thanks for the reminder to be intentional every day to inspire hope & creativity in our kiddos.
Jacqueline F. Graham says
*goosebumps* WOW!!! What a beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the video. You always write informative and soul searching posts. I never miss reading them.
Wendy says
Our talent can save us. Negatives speak so loudly to us. They surround us every day. How blessed we are to have at least one encouragement given to us to keep going, to find our value, use our value, and pass it on to another person who is longing for someone to approve of us.
The teacher in this video is holding a ruler ! A ruler, just ready to strike a student down. The classmates are crushing the young student’s ego. A behavior that is all so common in a school atmosphere.
Then along comes the small, silent encouragement- – -a request to “teach me”. How powerful!
Be that encouragement, fill that void in all your students. It’s truly a privilege.
ame says
Tears … this must have touched something in me.
I wish to be a teacher who gives love and encouragement. It has been a good week to practice this, and see results!
Thank you SOOOO much for sharing this video!
Vivian says
Thank you for not only reminding us about why we do what we do, but also about what it feels like to be a creative person in a world that is not too friendly to us.
Drema says
Wow, that is very touching and inspirational! Thanks for the reminder to be that student’s “piece of chalk”!