u/Affectionate_Key82

I just want to understand my role a bit better. Of course, having years of experience and completing conservatory education are legitimate qualifications. But sometimes, there are a few disrespectful students who think they know better.

I am no Horowitz or Rubenstein. But I do practice at least 4 hours a day so that I have the right to tell my students to practice. I can sightread up to level 3 confidently (the other levels are a bit shaky, I usually get it on the second try and not the first). I'm not perfect, but I don't think this should be a reason why some students should get a big head. Doesn't help when one of them are talented and they feel comfortable enough to point out my mistakes (ahem, I find that a bit disrespectful).

I guess what I'm trying to say is: how should I react to this? What attitude should I have? What mindset do I need to fully believe that I am qualified despite not being some piano machine that can play every piece perfectly?

I'm trying to understand the presentation aspects of storytelling and took a break from writing my novel by playing video games. I always loved getting into good worldbuilding/stories/knowing characters etc. While talking to a bunch of NPCs, although they make the experience immersive and so alive, it really cannot be adopted to a novel because who wants to read 20+ pages of people who aren't relevant to the main plot?

(Still, it was a nice session to observe how people can simply be)

While I'm on my break, I still want to be productive. I know the general advice for writing is to read a lot, mainly novels, but I wanna make sure I have a broader perspective on things. Tunnel visioning into one aspect is useful, but I've run into scenarios where it brought me to become too narrow-minded in the past. Not sure if the same applies here.

So I want to know if anyone also does their reading study sessions (alongside pure enjoyment when it occurs) through other mediums than just novels alone

I am questioning my entire career, teaching style, and curriculum.

Okay maybe my emotions are high, I just finished my recital with the kids, there were 6 who attended as the other half went on vacation.

One of those students was a transfer one, looking to take it easy with learning piano and theory with me. Let's call them Clover. They had a previous teacher, I have no idea what their style was, but this student came to me with good foundation, RCM 8 despite just finishing elementary, technique, everything. Just high intermediate stuff. But it was the source of their burnout.

Fast forward, the other 5 are mine. But the student mentioned above played MILES better. Obviously results show when you put in the work. But my teaching style is so much different. I let kids pick the songs they like, let them decide whether they want to pursue levels or not, I don't yell, I don't insult them, the closest I've ever gave a negative emotion was when I was openly upset (only because the student was giving the attitude). If they don't practice, I don't scold them, I ask why they did not, and how we can work around scheduling, strategy, or motivation.

I'm worried if I look bad in front of Clover's parents. And I feel so helpless because no matter how much knowledge or insistence I ask my students to practice regularly, the choice is up to them. They can do well in class but completely forget what was done the week after. I can explain and demonstrate why strategic practice is more effective but it's them who chooses to adapt. And here I am wondering: should I lead my curriculum by scaring them a little?

I had planned for this four year old boy to participate but he told me he didn't want to. On top of the fact that in the previous recital, he had a breakdown before stepping on stage. I thought I made the right choice to consult him. The mom came to me and said that I have to push him, because for every other activity, the boy always stays in his comfort zone.

Hence I'm panicking over my style. About being strict. It's not that I'm afraid to have them dislike me, I'm afraid that they will dislike music. In the past, I had a little girl quit because she felt too pushed (albeit it's only because I saw how smart she was and believe she can shoot high). Since then, I've prioritized fun and happiness.

And now I wonder if I am holding them all back because of it.

Hey guys! I'm writing a fanfic and Diluc is one of the characters involved. There's a chapter dedicated to solely his perspective but I really reaally want to do his character justice. Quite handful of times I see Diluc dumb downed to angst batman emo guy (and in a joking sense, I get the humor) but I don't see much media talking about the nuances of his character enough.

To me, he appears to be a man who has a lot of depth. Most of the time he is portrayed to be serious, devoted to his duties, and protective. I wish there were more scenes in games showing his quirks, or another aspect of him that isn't the usual.

But I digress. Would love to hear the different thoughts and opinions you all have on this man. Whether it'd be character analysis or small remarks or both!

Talking about RCM 1 to 8 btw. I follow the syllabus and purchase latest practice tests. When I studied, my score was in the 90s. But my student so far remained within the 70-80 mark (though their score went up by three since the last one)

I taught them the exact way I was taught: logic, application, practice. In class they scored well on the homework and excerises. However, like any tests, it take a completely different format. I know it's done on purpose to test the student's critical thinking skills, but I don't know how to prepare them for tha aspect. Do I need different exercises? A different book? Any resources out there good for practice? Or is practice not the issue?

I'm halfway through the novel I purchased several weeks back, and I have to say, the writing is average. I picked it because the prologue and synopsis captivated me. But it went downhill from there.

Originally I wanted to get into the habit of reading novels regularly while also improving myself as a writer. But the only things I've learned is what NOT to do. Of course that's valuable as well. I don't want to drop the book halfway and start a pile of unfinished novels in my library. I also want to maximize this chance and squeeze out whatever I can learn from a medicore book. What's your experiences in these situations?