Teaching

I now spend almost every day of my life teaching - Classical repertoire, Choral, Musical Theatre, Academic skills, etc. Most of the time I forget why I do it and what it does for me. But every so often there's a moment of realization and poignant understanding of the effect and purpose of my actions. In my opinion there is a gentle balance in life. I generally strive to give back as much as I take. Yes, since I've been living in India, I have lived quite the extravagant lifestyle: 5-star dinners, tropical vacations, driving around the countryside on my moped and loving every minute of it. Sometimes I take these things for granted and more often than not, the poverty of Chennai and the modest lifestyles people lead here fill me with guilt and despair. But every now and then, I realize that I am giving back; that I do effect people on a daily basis, and that I am cultivating knowledge and talent through a universal language: Music.

There's nothing quite as fulfilling as introducing a new world to another person. The students at KMMC don't quite know what they're getting themselves into when they join KM. They have never heard Western Classical music, and their knowledge of western music in general is Shakira and Lady Gaga. And usually, in the beginning of their Foundation year, their eyes fill with doubt and cynicism when I begin to teach western technique and make them listen to lieder, chanson, and operatic arias. But at some point during the year, there is a moment of realization: the moment when their eyes begin to sparkle when they hear a new piece; the moment when they can make their own connection between Hindustani and Western technique; the moment when they decide to take their own initiative to learn something new based on what I've taught them. That moment is what every educator waits for. It is inspiring.

If you haven't seen it already, below is what I have been working on for the past three years. I am proud of my students for the work they have put in, and proud of myself for sticking it out and giving it my best. Enjoy!

Go to the KMMC youtube page for more!