No Greater Joy!

There is no greater joy to a music teacher than to be able to sit back and watch her students execute the principles that you have been trying to get across to them. Last night as I watched my girls perform throughout their first recital of the fall semester, I could not help but acknowledge the hard work that each one put into their pieces. The thought and focus that they have placed upon proper and healthy vocal technique. They looked so vulnerable up there, yet they were having such fun. To see the looks in their eyes when they finished---even though they made mistakes---told me there was a sense of accomplishment! What joy and love I felt last night. Love for each student. Love for the music they were singing. Love for my job. Oh the joy of being a musician. I wish I could explain the fulfillment that comes from singing, practicing, teaching, studying. It is beyond words. Perhaps I will save that for another time. But watching my students last night. Feeling the joy inside. Feeling the tears. Feeling, dare I say it, pride! I was so proud of them!!!!!! They have each made such improvement! And to see it before my eyes as one complete entity was so encouraging! Yes! Hard work pays off! For them and for me!