One of the things I’ve learned from the great teachers I’ve known is that no great teacher teaches a curriculum.
They teach, instead, each student.
I was reminded of this recently speaking with W. Stephen Smith, professor of singing at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. My husband David Mielke has studied with him for the past five years, and I’ve been honored to attend their lessons as his accompanist.
W. Stephen Smith
“All my attention,” said Dr. Smith, “goes to helping the specific student right in front of me. What is it they most need to learn now? That’s the question I need to answer.”
In my own life and learning, I’ve been immeasurably enriched by opportunities to study with teachers one-on-one. At a time when institutions are hellbent on making everything and everyone fit a preconceived or ill-conceived standard, teachers who seek to approach each student’s uniqueness can be life-changing and offer healing as well as learning.
But what do we do when we’re no longer students? When we’re navigating an increasingly standardized world on our own or with our families?
What occurs to me, inspired by Professor Smith’s example, is that we commit to approaching our own uniqueness, our own unique strengths and quirks, challenges and potential. Then we not only strengthen our stability and resilience in times of change, but also become more sensitive as teachers in turn, whether we teach formally, informally, or simply by example, in our homes, work, or communities.
What teachers have seen you in your uniqueness? How have you learned to see this in yourself? If you have a moment, send me note and share a line or two. Then I get to keep learning from you being uniquely you.
And if you’re curious about Professor Smith, a few years back I recorded a conversation with him that remains as fresh as ever. In it we talk about overcoming shame and fear to pour out our gifts all the way.
Take a peek and enjoy in whatever way is uniquely yours!
With gratitude to be ever learning,
Thomas
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