It's my job.

As a music student, I always felt inadequate.  I went into private lessons feeling like I knew absolutely nothing.

What key is this?

What is this symbol?

How many notes make up a scale?

Can you demonstrate a staccato bowing?

My mind was spinning with answers, but they all just seemed too simple.  Of course this piece is in the key of D major.  Just like every other piece I've ever played.  That's the segno or sign.  Eight.  Eight notes make up a scale.  Or is it seven?  Ooooh, that's short.  Or bouncy.  Short and bouncy?

AAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!  The pressure!!

Truth is, that was just me.  My teacher was only trying to find out what I knew.  She wasn't going to berate me.  She was going to teach me.  It was her job.

And now it's my job.  The answers are simple.  There are no trick questions.  I just want to know what you know.  Then I'll teach you what you don't.  

I'm not sure that I'll ever stop putting such outrageous pressure on myself.  At times that pressure is good for me.  

Yet for my students, my desire is for you to take a deep breath as you sit down to play and get out of your head.  Be sure that I will ask you questions at every lesson.  When you know the answer, I'll smile and show you how proud I am with a high five or "Ding!  Ding!  Ding!"  When you scrunch your nose and squint your eyes reaching for the answer you wish was back there, I will give you a hint.  And when it finally comes to light that you just don't know, I'll teach you.  It's my job.