The holidays are officially over.  The last borrowed piece of Christmas music was turned in yesterday, all of my New Year’s resolutions have been broken, and I called the music store today to schedule my Spring Recital.  I told the nice young man on the phone who was helping me that I wanted the late April spot he said was still available.  That way I’ll have more time to prepare.  More time equals less stress.

Getting students ready for their Spring festivals, recitals, and evaluations has its rewards though, along with the stress.  These events are the milestones, that final exam, if you will, of a students musical progress for the year.  As a teacher it’s evaluating me as well.  Did I pass or fail?  What do I need to change to help a student be better next time?  What has worked and why?   Evaluations are not just for students, they are also for the teacher who is willing to listen and to learn.

Oh boy, more stress.  I’m glad that Valentines Day is almost here because I’m going to need chocolate.  It’s a good thing I’ve already broken my New Year’s resolutions.