I had the fortunate opportunity to start teaching private instrumental lessons to an ELL student. The situation itself is quite challenging since the student speaks little English, and I myself only speak a little of his native language. Thanks to a cooperative ELL teacher, and a supportive extended family who helps translate for me, I think this will be a very successful endeavor. The most difficult challenge I am having right now is in trying to modify certain musical behaviors. While I can ask him to blow faster or slower air, it is difficult for me/him to use specific language to ascertain solutions to pitch matching. This is certainly a fantastic lesson in using nonverbal communication, and focusing on specific language cues when necessary.

As someone who strongly believes in the philosophy that everyone should be taught music in the public schools, I think we need to take a closer look at ELL students, special education students, and at-risk students. It is certainly easy to say that everyone deserves a music education when the top half of your high school (GPA-wise) is already in your choir. How can we create meaningful, equal opportunities for music education for students who in the past have not been as involved in public school music programs?

More to come... I look forward to hearing and researching about success stories from other teachers.  

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