The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy was wonderful this year! Every teacher that I talked to spoke about how much they learned and benefitted from attending. I was busy in meetings, giving workshops, and just connecting with the teachers that I love, so I saw a very different part of the conference than most. I wanted to just share what I noticed as it nearly brought me to tears.
I was so humbled at the conference by all the teachers that told me how helpful the ComposeCreate® blog is. You know, when you are in your home, busy with your children, trying to piece things together in 5 minute intervals into an intelligible blog post, it’s difficult to know the kind of impact that something like a blog can have. So, I am so grateful for all of you who took the time to stop me and tell me how it has impacted your life.
I had the wonderful privilege of hosting the first ComposeCreate® dinner together at NCKP. There were 52 teachers in attendance, which was more than twice the amount for which I originally planned! What impressed me about these 52 teachers was their generosity. I thought Elissa Milne was so perceptive and accurate in talking about what amazing things happen when teachers are generous with each other. After visiting with everyone at the dinner, I sat at my table and looked out at everyone and noticed that everyone was engaged with each other, everyone was talking to each other, everyone was having a great time, and everyone was sharing ideas. There were no uncomfortable pauses in conversations. No awkward moments. The room was SO loud with sharing and generosity that the brilliant Elissa Milne couldn’t always be heard (I had asked her say a few words).
When I went back to my hotel room and looked at a few pictures that I took, tears came to my eyes. If my blog is impacting these kinds of generous teachers, then that is exactly what I want. As we are generous with each other, we can impact so many more lives in much more meaningful ways. I want to thank you all for being that kind of generous teacher!
And in the spirit of what I toasted with those that were there, I want to encourage even those that could not make it to continue to take all of these ideas and put your own spin on it so that you can give to your students what ONLY YOU can give! Remember that creativity is not creating something new. Creativity is taking what already exists and putting your spin on it. You have a beautiful gift to give the people in your world. Give them beauty. Give them your creations. Give them excitement and energy.
Give them the beauty that only you can give.
I love you all!
It was great meeting you Wendy! Thank you for taking the time to talk to my sister and I. We are busy working/changing our policy’s and will keep you posted on how it goes!
What a valuable conference and experience, largely because of you!
Sarah, It was wonderful meeting you too! Yes, do keep me posted on how things go with your changes. Thank you so much for your kind words. They make me smile. It is good to know that these things were helpful!