So Long, Farewell!

The Sound of Music soundtrack has been on repeat over here. My kids love it, so apparently I've taught them well. After over a year of employment at the Piano Place, I decided to say, "So Long, Farewell." Employment is kind of a loose term in my case. I only taught at The Piano Place once a week-- on Wednesday afternoons.

Initially, I started teaching at The Piano Place to have a built in break from my kids. I thought it would be a good outlet for me. I enjoyed interacting with coworkers and students and not only being described as a mom or known only for my adorable children. The money was an added perk too! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention one of the best parts-- Jessica. She teaches at The Piano Place too, and a scheduled excuse to see her each week was something I looked forward to.

Lots has changed since I started working at The Piano Place in October of 2019. In March of this year, I got to tackle teaching zoom lessons. I applaud teachers who are still doing this. I have been back teaching at the studio for the last several months (masks included). My feelings about motherhood have changed this year too. I'm no longer dying to have something else to fill my time. And just to clarify... I definitely still want, need, and plan on having breaks from my kids. I'll just do something more relaxing. 

Teaching at The Piano Place has become exhausting and that needed break and rejuvenation that I was seeking, was instead replaced by a feeling of dread. This is partially my own fault. My schedule used to have some breaks and I complained, so my breaks disappeared. Teaching from 3:00-6:30 strait takes its toll! Even when I taught as a full time teacher, I would get breaks throughout the day for recess, lunch, when the kids had specialties, etc. Having 7 students back-to-back tested my patience, hunger, and bladder for that matter. Each week, I'd come home grumpy, starving, and ready to collapse. I discovered I would rather have my patience tested by my own children than by a random 10-year-old boy with an attitude. This experience gave me a whole new appreciation for working moms. Hats off to you!

I said my final goodbyes to my students at the Winterfest Recitals this weekend. I even performed a duet with a student. (She happens to be my favorite, but don't tell the others.) Jessica started the recital off strong with her beautiful rendition of Away in a Manger. She set the bar high and I was glad to be there to watch her. 

Jess and I

Leaving makes me sad in some ways. I'll miss my most advanced student. He's getting so good and it's exciting to hear him play challenging pieces. I'll miss my student Annie who cried when I told her I was leaving. She was my friend. I'll miss Motivosity (earning points to buy giftcards) more than I should admit. I'll miss my built in Jess time. I'll miss seeing how excited my kids are when I get home after being away from them for a few hours. I'll miss working in my grandma's neighborhood, so I'll have to be sure to take the time to drive to see her.

I said, "So Long, Farewell" to The Piano Place for now, but my music career isn't over. I still teach a couple of students in my house and will continue doing that. I don't find it coincidental that right after I quit at The Piano Place, someone reached out to me about lessons for their 2 kids and I'll start teaching them in January. I'm happy to have my Wednesdays back!