Is it money down the drain if your child is having lessons and not doing performances?
It's quite a controversial question as there are quite a few strong points for and against this topic. Here's my view.
From a young age, I was forced to perform ALL the time. parties, family events, karaoke at restaurants, community socials, school functions, etc.. I never had singing lessons, I just had a natural talent for singing and everyone loved the way I sang. When I was younger it was ok; but then I got to my teens where I was trying to fit into my own skin, I was not enjoying singing anymore especially when I was expected to perform at a drop of a hat. It suddenly became a chore to sing in front of people all the time at every. single. event.
I worked professionally from about 14 years of age, performed every weekend at all community events, special occasions, weddings, public holidays and basically; when people wanted to celebrate, I was working as the entertainer.
Cutting a long story short, I was burned out at 23yrs. I wrote a fake resume (cause 5 years of Cabaret work doesn’t really get you an office job) and I got my first ‘real’ job! I stopped performing completely and I moved into a tri-level penthouse we rented with friends where we enjoyed weekends at home or out to dinner. My first NYE off (with my now hubby) was spent watching the fireworks on the rooftop of the penthouse- argh the good times!
Fast forward 21 years and reflecting on my experience, Music and Singing has always been a part of me. I never stopped teaching because, in a way, it was something that was home to me. It fuelled my passion for helping and witnessing my students develop, become confident and shine as I nurture their journey through their stages of learning.I want them to discover their potential, believe in themselves and thrive in a supporting and encouraging environment. When they are not confident enough or ready to feel vulnerable in front of others it's important for a teacher to allow them the time to find themselves. It's a big step.
Being a mother of two, I learned every child is different. Each one of them is motivated in very different ways, they receive and feel the love in different ways and if you don't know them and understand their love language, it's always going to be a battle to get them to do anything you want them to.
So in a nutshell, I think if your child loves music and you decide to put them into a music or singing school, you are investing in developing their life skills and developing their confidence. This doesn't happen in a few weeks, sometimes even a year! It's a process, it's a journey and it's an environment you are providing your child so they can thrive and love who they are with others who are like minded.
I love speaking to parents that call us and say “my child won't stop singing so I think I need to try and put them into something or he’s going to drive me crazy!”. For most of these calls, after a few years at Vocalise, that child has thrived and grown to use the power of music as a grounding force through life.
And to finish off my story, I'd like you to meet Joel. Joel started with us in Year 7 and his teachers, including me, supported him for his HSC performance this week.
There's nothing more rewarding than watching our students become confident and certain in what they want to achieve.
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