Friday, April 16, 2010

Autumn festival

It's been a busy week. Okay, fortnight. One of those times when my every minute seems so caught up that I haven't stopped to reflect decently.

Three weeks ago the Suzuki community lost one of it's most active members. An amazing pianist and teacher, Nehama Patkin succumbed to a post-operation infection and left not only her studio families and students grieving, but the Australian Suzuki community.

Suffice it to say that she's not only found repute as a pianist but as a teacher and educator of young children; her Federation Square concerts have inculcated and nurtured a love of music in countless families.

She will be missed by many, and yet; what an achievement, to have touched so many people that your work will continue, because to abandon it would be to leave a gaping void.

This week I've been reminded of the privileged position I've been offered by virtue of my industry.

I've been reminded of the duration of these relationships and the legacy I have the potential to leave in lives.

I'm slowly learning that not only the children I teach but their parents will go out and say "Our teacher..."

Too preachy? Maybe. But also real. This is currently the revelation windmilling inside my head.

It's a little daunting. I'm not sure I'm entirely up to the challenge. Good thing I have all these responsible adult people (well, they gave BIRTH to the little ones) to help me.