When I was 14 years old, I started playing the piano at my grandma's house (on my own) with a piano book. I could play the songs because I knew which fingers were number 1, 2, 3, and so forth. The diagrams in the book helped me to push the right keys. I started piano lessons and because of my experience, I passed about half of the book off during my first lesson. The teacher was amazed at what I could do. During my lessons, she would teach me a little bit of theory and then tell me to go home and practice the songs that I couldn't play. I realized that I was actually teaching myself by doing this, and I thought it was a big waste to pay for and to go to my lessons. I wasn't fond of theory either and disliked playing dumb baby songs. After approximately three weeks, I quit.
I still wanted to play the piano, so I taught myself how to play it. I had played the violin for one year in elementary and so I was familiar with a few notes. I figured out that each time the note went up a space or line on the music, it meant to go up a key on the piano. I memorized the placement of the notes instead of memorizing note names. This was a long process, but I learned how to play the piano pretty well.
I have learned that I do best at learning by teaching and discovering how to do things, myself. I feel pressure when others teach and critique me. I learn better in a more comfortable atmosphere.
I know that students are different and prefer learning in various ways. Also, some children are more shy and are unsure of themselves. I hope I will be able to find a way to let my students experience the arts by finding out how they learn best and also by helping them feel comfortable in expressing their artistic talents. I hope this class will help me to be successful in doing these things when I teach.
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