Love & Music

Me and my teachers

Have you ever been loved by someone with special needs?  If you have then you will understand this post.  If you have not, I hope someday that you will.

I walk into Music and Movement class every Tuesday evening at 5pm.  I am greeted with shouts of laughter and loving acceptance.  The faces of my students light up like stars on a dark night and their smiles melt my heart.

For one hour a week, we get to sing, dance, learn and explore the joys of music and how our bodies move to its rhythm and beats. Currently, we are working on vocal dynamics where we use our voices to sings softly, as if we were singing to babies, or sing so powerfully that we could scare away a dragon.

Yes, I love teaching music and movement, but I think it is safe to say that I have learned way more than I have ever taught.  I have learned the power and depth of love, respect, and admiration.

My students model this for me at every class.  They treat each other with respect and encourage each other to be free and move, sing, dance, and be one with the music, as well as each with other.

I am challenged to keep the class interesting because as loving as my students can be, they are equally honest by nature.  If they don't like a song or activity they have no problem letting me know.

At first, this surprised me.  I am not sure why it surprised me; as we eventually learn in life, part of the success of any great relationship is effective communication. They are not unkind in their delivery, but they are clear and direct.








Once again, they are teaching me so much.  I am learning how to express my likes and dislikes by following their example.  You see, I don't doubt they love me just because they think some of my  musical tastes stink.

They tell me what selections of music they think I should be playing instead of the poorly selected ones.  Again, they are teaching me how to have a relationship based on honest, clear communication.

I really loved this article on what the world would be like if it was ran by people with down syndrome.  It is spot on to what I experience every week.  It goes into many more details that just the love and affection combined with honest communication.  Give it a read and see for yourself what this doctor has to say.  Read the full article here.

Yes, I love music and my students love music, but there is so much more learning and teaching going on that the tunes being played, moves and grooves being acted out, and voices being raise in song.  I am lucky to have such great teachers that love me and are honest with me.