Teaching my first advanced student tomorrow
And I'm kinda nervous lol.
For context, I've been teaching several years and most of my students have been beginner to intermediate. I'm familiar with the RCM exam structure and explored other areas of piano music (pop, gospel chords, piano arrangements) to keep the lessons diverse and fun.
Lo and behold, I got a request to be the teacher of an RCM 8+ student. During our meeting I can tell they are serious, focused, and talented. I honestly can't wait to be finally teaching advanced levels after so long. It has been a long time dream of mine.
So even if I graduated all the levels in RCM and completed my Bachelor's Degree, it should be easy to TEACH it right? RIGHT?
Of course it wouldn't be and I knew that. So I spent the entire week studying and watching masterclasses online. Got a few tips on the feel of teaching advanced students (phrasing, theory, texture, sight reading, some technique exercises, and teaching how to practice more efficiently), but rn I just seem like someone who was given all the tools but still figuring out how to create the bigger picture.
The reason why I bring this up is because after a few masterclasses, I noticed what the professors mostly focus on: the musicality. The problem is that musicality can be subjective. Do I need to listen to recordings first and dissect how these pieces are supposed to sound like? What if I give the wrong interpretation? Am I overthinking things? Do I need to do more ear training? I hope my question doesn't sound too silly but I was wondering if any teachers in this sub can relate haha.
All in all, I really want this student to do well and I really want to be of value in their musical journey. My biggest fear is not being enough because I really want to learn from this opportunity.