5 Reasons that Teaching is an Amazing Thing to do as an Artist

I don’t teach a ton, but it has become one of my favorite things to do. Even if teaching is not your first, second, or third love, it can be a valuable activity to help you grow as a person or as an artist. Here are five reasons that I think teaching is a critical part of my life and why I think that you should pick up some students if it’s been something you’ve been thinking about. Here are five ways that I have benefited from teaching as an artist.


1. Remind Yourself of What You’re Missing
In so many lessons, I try to help a student breathe, articulate, think, move, or buzz better. After these lessons, I’ll find myself in the practice room making the same mistakes that I had just corrected. The mindfulness that you gain by going back to fundamentals with students is very helpful.


2. Solve Problems and Become More Rounded
Of course, students are all different people, and as they study, they may (will) run into problems that you’ve not had yourself. Troubleshooting the problems that they’re going through will make you a more well rounded musician and player. Developing more understanding of how the horn works is never a bad thing.


3. Find Confidence 
Students are GREAT confidence builders. Please don’t tell any of mine, but my students are my favorite fans. They seem to think I’m great, and having someone who likes what I do enough to trust me with their development as a musician is amazing to look at when I’m feeling down.


4. Gain Perspective
Students have lives, and hearing about soccer practice, school, or other life worries can give some valuable perspective into what’s important. I have a habit of getting 100% of my brain into the music, and I lose sight of what matters. I help my students play horn, but they help me see the rest. 


5. Find Joy in the Art
Horn is hard, and students get frustrated! When a student is showing frustration with the horn or their lesson, I do my very best to help them find joy in the art. Working to help them find joy in the art goes both ways, and after those lessons, I am able to find joy in my practicing that may have not been there before, I love it!



Are you a horn player looking for lessons? Send me a message and we’ll get started! I offer packages with a ton of value, including video reviews and a library of problem solves for common challenges!