I've been teaching classical piano, jazz piano and violin for two years now.

For these past two years, I can honestly say that I have given my best, and given my all for my students. I've had my share of handling not-so-pleasant parents, and not so-hardworking students. Even when students/parents cancel their class at the last minute, I've had the spare energy to replace their classes. And at times even, go all the way to their houses, should my students not have any transport.

So far, even the laziest student that could sometimes exasperate me, could never bring my mood down throughout the day. I am able to rejuvenate, and pump in more energy for my next student...and still be able to keep my enthusiasm.

But today marks my first...these couple of days, I've been feeling below the weather lately, for some reason I'm not able to pin down...I've been able to keep professional till today...putting aside my feelings, and still focusing on the student at hand...

But just today, I somehow had let go of my guard...I find my thoughts wondering...I'm no longer focusing and looking out for my students piano techniques or anything else that might need correcting...I find myself feeling agitated, when my students scream (which in normal days, it would just roll of my back)...or even when parents ask me of a favour...

I know I must cut myself some slack...but somehow, I feel guilty...I feel I have committed a sin, when I've not stayed in check and focus throughout the lesson...I don't feel that satisfaction that I used to feel...knowing that students managed to learn something from me and I from them in return...

It doesn't seem a big deal, I guess...but I feel that it is unfair that a students progress should be disturbed, just because a teacher was feeling below the weather of late...

Anyone has ever felt that way before?...

I guess I just needed to be assured that I may not be the only one going through this...

A teacher teaches to inspire the students...but who inspires the teachers themselves?

I refuse to believe that I might be over-worked and just burn out...I'm barely TWO YEARS to a teaching career!!

Lessajinomoto, welcome to the human race

Seriously, we all feel like that sometimes. Don't beat yourself up.

No--not a sin.

Try to relax. Every day is a fresh new start.

Well, any suggestions in inspiring oneself to teach again?...at the moment, due to lack of enthusiasm, I feel as if I need a carrot in front of me to keep me going...heesh...

Burn out can happen at any time. It makes no difference how long you have been teaching.

A couple of things spring to mind.

What is your student turnover like? Things can get stale if you keep teaching students who are not working and are making little progress. Sometimes you need to get some fresh ones in. If your teaching load is really heavy then perhaps you could consider whether any of your current students need to be given the boot. It sounds harsh but it is a lesson I have had to learn over the years.

Two years into your teaching career and it might be time for you to look at some kind of further professional development. Why not look into some courses to improve your teaching skills or take a few lessons from an advanced teacher. We never stop learning. In fact the best teachers recognise that there is always more for them to learn. This has inspired and refreshed me several times in the past as well as adding to my qualifications and CV.

You can lift yourself out of this rut. My advice is to take some kind of action as soon as possible. It is surprising how easy it is for depression to creep in if you just keep plodding along year after year.

Dear Chris...

You've definitely given me some things to think about...and yes, the couple of students who are not working nor progressing throughout the year are one of the factors, draining me emotionally...

Yes, I'm still taking up classical piano, jazz and violin lessons...and I don't think I will ever stop...I too, am a firm believer that as long as we are alive, we should and can never stop learning...I have this slight phobia, that my brain might just go all-stupid and mushy, should I stop learning at all...

I think I may just have figured out one of the reasons for my disillusion and despair...

I'VE NOT GIVEN MYSELF MUCH PRIVATE TIME!!...I was just playing through Bach's Perlude and Fugue in A minor a minute ago...taking my own sweet time, enjoying and savouring every note and phrase...and the depression just lifted off...

To be honest, I enjoy personal practices more than teaching...they are completely therapeutical, and refreshing to the soul...

I guess i just need some time to myself...I've given so much...I completely forgot to refuel...

Yes, yes, yes.

I can't believe I forgot about that. When you spend so much time teaching the last thing you want to do at the end of the day is play. But it is so important to make time for this. Whenever I feel down playing the piano for my own enjoyment will lift my mood and yet I know I don't do enough of it. I'm going to look at that A minor myself now. Book 1 or 2?

By the way, I have been reading your blog. It had me in stitches. You are seriously funny.

I am thinking the same. We live only once so keep learning! (That's the reason I start learning piano. )

How about telling yourself that you already give the best you can, the rest is their responsibility ? Actually you can kindly say that to those students. Let them think about it. Have you asked them what might be the reason ? They don't like the pieces, the lessons or they have trouble at home ? If there is, you might have a new challenge/headache, solving those problems. :p

But if they just want to be mean, then it is time for them to know what you feel. They can't keep doing that toward others. (But don't get too emotional in front of them. You still need to stay strong. )

Glad to hear that you find the way to relax. Good luck.

TinyHands

What would you like to have in your life that is now missing. You need some pleasures that you can relate to and appreciate so that you are not always in your musical head.

The person who knows this best is you - where could you pick up and make an easy change to revive yourself.

I have used aroma therapy - the fragrance of vanilla revives me and brings my spirits to a wonderful place. The pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmet) also lift me greatly as do drinking teas, and adding these spices to foods. Mango is outrageously uplifting to me as a candle or fruit or tea. For energy, I would inbibe a little oj, diet pepsi, or coffee. Every one is different.

Testers at the department store or drug store fragrance counters are also a treasure - free samples. While you are there, go over to the greeting card sections and read all the cards you can manage in a 5 minute stop - you may find your self laughing your head off. You don't have to buy or send anyone of them. I have often bought a greeting card because of it's art or it's greeting and framed it for the wall or desk. Lot's of simple things can motivate us and keep us up in spirits.

These are suggestions that you can explore easily and be surprized by the impact of such simple things.

Betty

Although there are many things you can do to lift your spirits and help you to relax you must try to find out the root cause of your unhapiness (if there really is one). Unless you find out what the real issue is once the effects of the 'pick me up' wear off you will be down again. You can't just tell yourself to be happy. Betty is right, you have to think about what YOU want out of life. It's not enough for your students to be content. Your feelings matter just as much as theirs so don't worry about giving them your best 100% of the time. It is not possible because none of us are perfect. Focus on the good and positive things in your life and work.

You ARE....

Beautiful, funny, intelligent, talented, hard working, conscientious, thoughtful, caring and I am willing to bet a fantastic teacher.

There, if that doesn't make you feel good then I don't know what will

I'm no psychologist (and I'm guessing), but it sounds like you're suffering from mental exhaustion or perhaps you feel like you're in a rut. I read your most recent blog post (about going to the gym) just now and its as though seemingly insignificant things seem to bother you. Of course, everybody is like this from time to time, including myself.

That's usually my cue to take a break from the action. Usually, a vacation does the trick for me. Forget about your 'regular' life for a while. Enjoy what 'else' is out there. Discover new countries. Meet new and interesting people. Try new foods. I think you'll come back refreshed, recharged and ready to face the world again with regained sense of enthusiasm.

Let's form a "conga line" to rejuvenation and revival!

I'm going to admit I need my own advice today, and I need all the advices coming in, too, just as much as anyone else.

I can't believe I forgot to mention Mango Sherbet - I'm going to open the freezer and get me one!

Conga line......conga line.....conga line!

Something that gave me pause in your first post is that you are sacrificing everything for your students. This can be very dangerous. Love your students, yes, and be accommodating, yes, but only to a point. You aren't protecting yourself, and so whenever one person asks a "favor", all of a sudden their priority or their problem becomes yours.

Do you have a written policy on cancellations and rescheduling? Do you limit the number of changes in your schedule? Do you have designated make-up days, or can anyone at any time barge into your life to make up a lesson that wasn't convenient? You need to write a policy that works for you, and stick to it. People need boundaries, and most parents don't understand that they're not the only ones asking this of you.

Also, what do you do with a child who refuses to practice? If you have a student that perhaps loves piano but just doesn't understand the aspect of hard work that delivers better results, that's one thing. But if you have a student that you know doesn't have a passion for it, are they worth all the energy? You can't force someone to love it as much as you do. That's something that has to be there for them. Perhaps you can cut back by dropping some students that truly aren't working out.

Dear Chris,

I was playing Perlude and Fugue in A minor, Book I by Bach...comforting lines...and completely soothing, it being played fast or slow...lovely...

Glad to know that you're reading my blog...and I actually managed to make someone laugh!!...ah, that totally makes my day...do feel free to drop a line...
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Dear Akira,

Yes...mental exhaustion...from all the giving so much and receiving so little...probably an occasional change in my hundrum life would do the trick...

About my recent blog post...I actually beg to differ...it may seem insignificant if all these gym ethics were not observed occasionally (slip of the mind, etc)...I can totally understand...but for gym members who constantly psych themselves by shouting "FC*K!!" every gym session...giving a public announcement of what a killer work-out they are having...is just asking for trouble, wouldn't you agree?...

I guess I personally feel that respect in a social area such as this is required...places like gym are where there is respectable privacy to work-out...not a place to gain attention to oneself...I think its the attention-trackers that annoy me...especially when they have been on it months on end...
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Dearest Morodiene,

Regarding to your most recent post, yes...I guess I am a bit out of balance that way...I tried to accommodate re-schedules while I can/have the energy...but I know somehow it has taken the toll...

There are written policies which was written and given to them when they first registered(24 hour notification in cancellation of classes etc)...but of course, they never bother reading them...we emphasize it ever so often now and then...but when one finally gives in to their request...there is always a tendency to take one for granted...and hence the 'request-abuse'...

Well, there are a hand full of students who 'refuse' to study...cz they are just plain lazy...for these students, I have learnt to emotionally detach myself, and just focus on teaching whatever little that I can...I have already been talking to the management and parents about this issue...and my intend to drop them...but parents come to me (once again) and ask that I not drop them...as my schedule was the only time that accommodated them...and they would personally prefer a teacher who was patient...

So, for a week or two...the students go all hard-working...practicing and all...but after that, it is down-hill again...

hmmm...I probably should insist on a booting this time...
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Dear All...

Haha...I truly appreciate all your suggestions so far...it gave me a "Why didn't I think of that?" thought...

1. Aromatherapy,
2. Mango sherbet,
3. More private time,
4. A vacation
5. Read greeting cards in stores

And may I add...

A GOOD 6 HOUR NIGHT SLEEP!!!...(and no alarm clocks)

I just did...and now, I feel all perky...hehe...

Hail REJUVENATION!!!

Hi there,

I agree most whole-heartedly with Moridiene (again!)

Set up boundaries. Think of your teaching as more of a business. Have strict policies and stop bending over backwards for your students. And above all do not feel guilty for saying no.

Think of yourself first before your students! Sounds indulgent, but really, if you handle your business of teaching piano with more guidlines and policies to protect yourself, you will then enjoy teaching again, have more time for yourself thus become a more effective teacher. This will lead to parent's and student's respect and less turnover.

Take care of yourself.

One other thought too... Interview your students before accepting them. I know one teacher in our community that expects 1 hour a day of practice or the student has to go somewhere else. I do things a little differently, I interview the parents! Of course, I interview the student as well. With the method I teach, the parents need to be on board too!

Lessajinomoto, hello. Ah, a fellow Malaysian—great. After teaching here in Penang, Malaysia, for over 25 years, please allow me to share with you my ordeals and experiences. For the record, I did my A-Levels in England and my Bachelor of Music at the University of Arizona, USA. My other music qualifications include the LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London) and the FTCL (Fellow of Trinity College London). The following rants and raves are strictly my own personal experiences.

Early on in my piano teaching career, I’d smile if someone asked me about my profession. When I replied that I was a piano teacher, they’d usually say something along the lines of “What an easy job! You must have lots of students! It must be great to be your own boss!” Well, what do you know; this is all a bunch of bull. Piano teaching is NOT an easy profession. Yes, there are periods when you have plenty of students (at what expense, though?) but there will also be periods when it seems like everyone has deserted you. Yes, it’s great to be your own boss, but as you’ve pointed out, it is an emotionally draining profession, especially when you give your all and your students don’t seem to realize or appreciate it.

I’ve had my share of good to excellent students, but they belong to the minority. More often than not, Malaysian music students expect the teacher to do everything for them, no matter at what level they reside. Also, if you praise them ten times and admonish them once, they tend to remember the admonishment, not the praise (but I suppose this is human nature?)

I’m the type of teacher who has to put on different individual personalities to suit each student. It seems to have worked in the long run. As a matter of fact I’m pretty much myself when I teach the hardworking and attentive students. For students who don’t practice much or often, I’ve often had to put on a more disciplinarian demeanor, but I don’t do this unless it’s absolutely necessary, and they usually improve.

Here are some rules I’ve set for all my students. I don’t put it in black and white, but I’ve drummed it into them and their parents.

1. Learning to play the piano well demands daily work and practice. There are NO shortcuts. This applies equally to beginners and advanced students. If the student or parent doesn’t want to accept this fact at the beginning, I tell them that it’s better not to start at all.
2. The student has to listen and remember the teacher’s advice. He or she must also interact and discuss with the teacher whenever problems are encountered. The student and the teacher must behave as partners on the way to Piano Land. Parents play a pivotal role here, especially for younger students. I’ve always liked a parent to sit in or wait in the living room while I teach, so they can see and hear the lesson progress for themselves. This is even more important for difficult students.
3. At the very start, establish a policy for fees and replacement lessons.[/b] For myself, fees are payable at the start of every month, i.e. the first lesson of that month. If they forget and pay the next week, I allow it. But if you have a student who continuously pays late or owes you fees (no matter what the reason is) consider dropping them.
4. Replacement Lessons: here’s my policy. I will allow replacement lessons if the student informs me ahead of time that they can’t attend a regular lesson. If I am not informed, there will be no replacements, period. However, I will NOT make up a replacement lesson if a scheduled replacement lesson is missed, no matter what the reason is. I find that with this policy, students don’t and won’t take advantage of your generosity.
5. Last but not least; this applies to difficult and/or lazy students. I try my best to be patient, but if all my effort fails, and the student continues on his/her own merry way, admonishments have to be given. Moreover I’ll usually inform the parents about this. It helps the teacher tremendously if the parent is sympathetic with the teacher who really wants the student to improve. It’s hard to draw a fine line here, but I’ve had to drop some students when I’ve discussed with the parents and things didn’t change at all.

As a piano teacher, I’ve had burnouts, too numerous to count. Give time for yourself, practice on your own (personally I like the Prelude and Fugue in A minor in Book II of Bach’s WTC), listen to classical music (CD or on the Internet), etc. And yes, I play solo cocktail piano music too, which is great for relieving the stress of piano teaching!

Hang in there, and good luck with your teaching, Lessajinomoto (too much MSG is not good). Also, that’s a nice blog you’ve got there!

Philip
http://philipyeoh.com/blog

Thanks Philip and Pianobuff for your suggestions...

Unfortunately, most of my students are from my music studio Yamaha, where choices of students and the regulations are not of my say...

Thus, rules and regulations of fees and replacement classes are sometimes allowed to bend...this comes to the teacher's disadvantage, become the company policies dictates that teacher's monthly salary will depend on when the parents pay the fees...

Should the parents not pay the fees in time, the fees will just be forwarded to the following month...so there was actually one month, that I was NOT PAID at all!!...but that was last year...

But, ah...I'm going to try AROMATHERAPY soon...Ocean Breeze and Lavender oil seems to work for me...hehe...

I might just blog about that soon!!

Oh okay, I understand.

My the way Yamaha music program is wonderful.

It must be hard though, you are working for someone else, and must follow their guidlines.

So yes, try aromatherapy and also know that you are doing your best under these conditions and that is all you can ask yourself to do.

Maybe someday you can have your own studio and be more in control of policies.

But then again, there are other stresses involved when owning your own business.

Ahh life...

Best of luck to you!