“Take the attitude of a student: never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.”
OG Mandino
This message is a GOOD ONE for us to keep in mind as we all become older and wiser. We are naturally good learners as children, but as we grow up sometimes we become less willing or less open to learning new things.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! We can assume the attitude of a student, no matter how old we are. We can be comfortable with the fact that we don’t know everything. We can be willing to ask questions. We can be EXCITED when there are opportunities to learn new things.
Moreover, we can MODEL this attitude for the young ones in our charge. Have your students witnessed your excitement to try out new piano literature with them? Have they seen you introduce new resources, teaching aids, or projects? Have they seen you perform in your studio recitals? Have they heard about your own practice strategies? Have they seen you embrace new technology? If so, that’s awesome!!
As teachers, let’s strive to not only be the best teachers we can be, but also the best learners we can be.
The quote from Og Mandino is my mantra! I’m 74 now and for sure not done yet! I keep as active as possible, have 13 students, do the recitals and competitions online, and enjoy almost every minute of it ( technology glitches is for the almost). I love learning and thanks for all your content Joy. You are very creative and as an aside, your daughter is growing up so fast and she is so cute! Thanks for the photos, too!
Carol DuBe NCTM
Oh Joy, you are wise snd so awesome I am happy that I know you
You are pretty awesome yourself, Donna! I’m happy our worlds collided before I moved away. And I’m happy we can stay in touch!
Carol, you are amazing. I hope I’m like you when I’m 74! My goal is to be vibrant and ever learning for however long I have on this earth. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words!
Thanks for the quote from Og Mandino. Another similar one which I was told some time ago was that the only silly question was the one you never asked. I appreciate your Words of Wisdom and other useful information. Thank you.
That is another good one! I love it. Thanks for sharing, Ann!
Thank you Joy for this word of wisdom. I have come to realize that the older we get the more we keep learning especially in a fast pace world. Well, that how it seems to me. In relating to music, I use a software analogy. A few years ago we were using software compatible with windows 7 and 8 and now as musicians, a lot of these software cannot work with newer operating systems.
I tell you, this quote from OD Mandingo should be located at school, home, restaurants, on the buses, and in as many places as possible for all to see.
All the best.
Thank you for this, Carlinton. I agree, it’s a great quote for all of us to keep in mind. I like your software analogy. If we don’t keep up, we might get “behind” or “outdated.” Some of the people in my life who I most admire are those who are conscious lifelong learners. I hope I’ll always maintain the outlook of a lifelong learner!
So many wonderful thoughts from a teacher so young. Thank you for your wonderful blog. I am 65 and still going strong too with my teaching. I love to learn 1 thing new each day.
Learn a new each each day — I love that!! Thanks for your comment, Melanie!