My students are not my adversaries.
That should seem obvious, but it sometimes seems like educators can land in an adversarial place with their students. This can develop for any number of frustrating reasons, but an adversarial relationship never leads to the best outcomes, educationally or musically.
Foundationally, I think of my students as Allies, Collaborators, and Equals.
Allies – We are united by common goals.
Collaborators – We all bring something of value to our creative work together.
Equals – We share the same innate value.
It’s hard to feel like someone who is united with you as an ally, a collaborator, and and equal.