Students: Truck Drivers to Friars

If someone told me 10 years ago that I'd be teaching a truck driver over the internet while he's in the cab of his 18 Wheeler in god knows where USA, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

Or how about a gentleman who started playing cello when he was 70 years old? He's a devoted Franciscan Friar who has lived his life across the globe in Japan, Kenya, the USA, and more.

Or how about a female personal trainer who is all of 5 ft tall (1.5 m) and can literally bend steel bars with her bare hands?

I am constantly astounded by how different my students are from me.

Sure I can teach you about cello technique, improvisation, composition, production, and more.

But what I find so interesting is what drives people to want to learn cello.

And what from their background will inform their playing?

You see, music to me is not a sport. It's not about who can play the fastest or the most in tune.

It's about taking your life and turning it into sound.

Sometimes I'm making a stuffed animal talk in an Australian accent to engage a young student. I used to think teaching children would be challenging, but now I enjoy it. They make me laugh, even if they say I look like I'm 55 years old.

But that's exactly what I love about teaching.

I learn so much from my students, whether they're a kindergarten teacher in Germany or run a plant nursery in Hawaii.

Nobody can play the same way as you and nobody has the same thing to say as you for the simple fact that we are all different.

Now I know it might sound cliche, but it's true.

Which is why I've always shied away from the traditional classical music mindset of making everyone play something the same way it's been played before.

All of my students came to me to learn more about music, but honestly, beyond teaching the technical aspects, what I really enjoy is seeing someone's creativity blossom.

That's why I do it.

All of a sudden those years of being on the road in your truck, spreading the gospel in Africa, or leading people in a grueling exercise regime have an outlet for expression.

All of those people have something different to say.

And it's my passion to help them build the tools and confidence to say it.

The more I teach, the more I'm amazed by the diversity of my students, but also charmed by the fact that we all share this innate desire to connect and express ourselves in this medium.

As always, I'd love to know what you think about this and if you're up for a really fun and engaging musical challenge, check out String Jams.

Have fun, be yourself, and keep on playing.