Page 66 - CJOct25

VERSA
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CHORAL CONVERSATIONS
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CHORAL CON

How did failure—whether artistic, personal, or When I read constructive criticisms, the students and
institutional—shape your growth as a teacher audience would respond with an equally enthusiastic,
and leader? “WE CAN DO BETTER!” This grew to be fun and
oh so healthy. It took the burden off me, as we agreed
I once wrote an article for the MCDA Reporter ti- that we could join in on the solutions while zestfully
tled “Embracing Failure.” While we don’t set out to celebrating the successes.
fail, when you compare the lists of things you learn
when you are successful to the list of things you can You now teach and mentor over seventy stu-
learn when you fail, the failure list is longer and, hon- dents in your private studio. What have you dis-
estly, richer. So, without being bitter, press pause and covered about the art of teaching in this new
see what there is to learn. One way I accomplished chapter, and how does it compare to your years
this was reading judges’ remarks out loud to ensem- in public education?
bles and sometimes to the audience at a concert. Early
in my career, I cringed hearing constructive criticisms Once I announced my retirement, I kept receiv-
because I felt like I had failed the choir. Once I learned ing inquiries about teaching private lessons, and it
to embrace the imagined “failure,” we all grew. When I just seemed to grow itself. It is immensely rewarding
read the positive remarks to the choir or audience, they to share what my teachers taught me with my private
were directed to respond with an audible “HUZZAH!” piano and voice students. It keeps me fresh, as I have

64 CHORAL JOURNAL October 2025 Volume 66 Number 3