It was often said of the HBO sitcom Sex and the City that the fifth main character was “the city” – i.e., New York.
It’s clear to all accomplished conductors that the space you perform in is a character in your performance – it should subtly or not-so-subtly affect the performance you make. Consider the rejoicing when the Detroit Symphony returned to Orchestra Hall, or the millions being spent to rehabilitate the acoustics at Lincoln Center. Consider the way your singers respond to singing in that one stairwell. Meeting the space is one of the most important parts of preparing for a concert, and why singing on your “home turf” is usually a good sign for your performance.
And the same is true for teaching. Your room – your space – can deeply and almost invisibly affect the culture and success of your classes. The wise teacher acknowledges this truth, and strives to shape the space into a positive character in the story they are telling.