Is it possible to be a full time teacher and a violinist??

September 20, 2008 at 12:34 PM

They say that teaching can ruin your performance as a violinist.

I love teaching. From the moment my kindergarten teacher taught me how to write, I learned how to teach other people. I sometimes role play as a teacher and my stuff toys are my students. I make my own lesson plan and class record. As young as I am, I really want to teach and share what I learn.

When I grew up, I liked to perform as well. I like to sing and join some singing contests as well. Eventually, I realize, I wanted to teach more than to perform.

On my previous blog entries, I wrote there how I got to love playing the violin. I want to be an excellent violinist because I want to impart so many things to other people (especially the ones who has the passion to learn).

The thing is, I failed as a performer when I finally soak myself into teaching the kids. I always wanted to be excellent, but this time, I got frustrated. I indulged myself in creating effective lesson plans and teaching methods, but compromising my practice time.

They say, I need to choose between the two areas. But, my stand is, I can't be an effective and efficient teacher if I am not an excellent performer as well. How can I teach the kids to perform on a recital if I was not able to experience my very own Graduation Recital...

... This is another challenge for me. and I take it as it is. I know that God will deliver me to the place He wants me to be. I just know in my heart that He called me to be a violin teacher and a violinist. :D I'm so glad that I have a purpose. The sense of living is still there...

If I were not a teacher nor a violinist, I may not be as fulfilled (as a person) right now...

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on September 20, 2008 at 4:10 PM

Some advice that is often given to working mothers is, "you can have it all, just not all at the same time."

I agree with you that it's important to accomplish your graduation recital and do your best with it, no matter whether you end up with a career teaching, performing, or both.

But I don't think that means you have to drive yourself crazy all day, every day, trying to keep up impossible standards in multiple fields of endeavor.

Instead, try not to view life as a race. Pace yourself and schedule yourself over the long-term. So, for example, take an extra semester to graduate and schedule the recital then, when you're not teaching. Then once you have your degree you'll have more choices to make about what you do when.

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Is it possible to be a full time teacher and a violinist??

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