Dreamt into life; The Inaugural Southern California Artist Showcase

In less than 1 year since moving the MyTown vision with me to California, it really happened... and I still can't even believe it. 

Set on the prestigious and historic oceanfront venue, the Long Beach Museum of Art, 14 student artist performers ranging in age from 5-20 along side some if the best professionals from the music industry like Shoshana Bean (lead role in "Wicked"), Mat Devine (frontman & singer/songwriter of "Kill Hannah") and Julia Price (up and coming LA singer/songwriter). 

Since I first setup shop here in Long Beach before I even met my first student client, not only was this showcase a dream come true, but even down to the exact location where I had envisioned my "future" students and colleagues coming together at a space so picturesque and gorgeous. The joy on each young artist's face all celebrated by friends, family, and one another... couldn't put a price tag on moments so magical. I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity to show Southern California what the essence of MyTown is truly all about. 

And the best part, this was only just the beginning... 

Recap Video:

http://youtu.be/IEPH2KKQxpQ

Corey Ferrugia

Founder | Leader 

corey@mytownmusic.com

The Inaugural Southern California Artist Showcase!

An encouraging word.

It sounds basic, but I really thrive off of text messages and affirming words from parents of my students like this one below.

The reality is, you can't pay or convince anyone to do that - and you wouldn't want to. I figure even if I'm putting my best effort forward and doing my part to the best of my ability to connect music artistry to my student, yet don't get the validation from my clients it's actually happening... I'm missing the mark somewhere. It begs that something would need to change or improve until a response like this happens naturally & organically. I am not necessarily motivated by the "response", but it's a vital byproduct tin the service industry; let alone mentoring & educating young people.

I love what I do so much. Every lesson is a challenge and a thrill. It is my mission to set the standard and rise a bar so high within our model so that every student who will ever encounter the MtM learning system with any given instructor, anywhere ...will have the most memorable and valuable experience, compared to none. I won't rest until it is so...

-C

3 layers of empowerment, in one single image.

I love this photo. It was taken from a kindergarten teacher at Johnson Elementary School during a summer "Jump Start" 3-week camp for kids ages 4-5yo.

I have been experimenting with early childhood techniques based in principle from the pedagogy I have learned from my mentor, Dr. Carroll Rinehart.

Affirmation is the turn-key for learning.

In Dr. Rineharts's learning design, he speaks about the learner's "growth continuum". One of the essential principles that has stuck out to me throughout my 100's of hours of educating and training, is the power of affirmation.

The way Dr. Rinehart puts it, "when a learner is affirmed, they'll take risks. It is then trust is built. Without trust, learning cannot take place."

I've found this to be absolutely true in all of my experience teaching private lessons, coaching, and in the classroom with students. But it's also true in me.

When I feel that my value is affirmed... I take more risks, seek out more adventures, push the boundaries, and reach further to maximize my potential as an educator, artist, and leader.

But isn't that true in all of us?

These thoughts were in inspired just recently from the father of my very first Private Lesson student out here in California, Rylee (9yo).

"Hey we listened to your cd. It's fantastic! My 15 year old son is a great guitarist and already downloaded it to his iPhone. Rylee (9yo daughter) is all in after her first lesson with you. We are lucky to have found you."
-Jess (Long Beach, Ca)

It is my vision that the culture and spirit of MyTown Music is always jam-packed with affirmation, and love. The rest will merely be the beautiful bi-product... whatever that may be.

Are good teachers born or developed?

Good teachers are developed not born. 

Temperements are intrinsic; sanguines, cholerics, melancholics, and phlegmatics are born (or at least fashioned in early childhood (or at the very least adolescence)).  Character, on the other hand is developed and certainly,'good' implies quality of character more than quality of temperament.  Sure, there are predominating, superficial preconceptions about what a good teacher is or isn't.  However, that facade changes from culture to culture (even from person to person).  The Greeks exalted symmetry but existentialists the absurd--it's cultural.

I used to think that a good teacher was outgoing, gentle, savvy, quirky, and somehow dominating--a Willy Wonka of sorts.  I used to think that until I tried teaching.  I was good at being a 'Wonka', in fact I think I have a natural disposition towards that; I'm a performer at heart.  As the quarter progressed, it was evident that the quality of my temperemant (the things I was born with) couldn't carry the class.  I would day-dream, then, about being a Clint Eastwood or maybe an Atticus Finch.  "If only I were calm, cool, reserved...", I thought.

But 'good' has nothing to do with that.  Caring, committed, knowledgeable, faithful: these are 'good'.  And you don't get them by nature.  It has nothing to do with temperament.  They are developed like muscle.  You have to work them out daily.  It's a blood, sweat, and tears kind of thing. 
With regard to being a good teacher: I don't ask myself I am (intrinsically), but rather, if I am willing.

The role of a, Teaching Artist.

To me, education facilitation feels no different than composing or performing a song.

It's not work.
It isn't void of passion.
It doesn't come easy for it to flow naturally.
It's heartfelt and heart-centered.
I always receive more in return than what I share.

I don't care what anyone says, education is an art.