[Vocal and First-Year Students] 24. What Matters Most Is the Belief That You Are Growing

*This content was translated by AI.

I conduct lessons for half of each week.

On my way home after finishing a lesson, I review each class one by one and prepare for the next session. This is also time to recall students’ reactions and provide self-feedback on any aspects I may have overlooked.

On days when I have prepared diligently but a student arrives with insufficient practice, I sometimes feel discouraged. Conversely, on days when a student comes fully prepared with sparkling eyes, I feel deeply disappointed if my own preparation feels inadequate due to a busy schedule. Occasionally, on the way home after a lesson, I find myself blaming myself for not having found an appropriate expression that could unlock the student’s sensibility by the end of the session.

On such nights, receiving a text message saying, "Today's lesson was wonderful. I gained many insights," can be comforting and even make me smile at the irony. The final lyrics of Isora's song "The Wind Blows" come to mind: "Memories are written differently."

Even though we were in the same space receiving the same lesson, the scenes remembered by the trainer and the student differ. It is a fascinating phenomenon, and precisely because of this, the work becomes even more intriguing. And so, I ask myself the same question again: What exactly constitutes a good lesson?

As a vocal trainer, I first establish fundamental skills that are commonly needed for all students. On top of that foundation, I select songs suited to each student's ability and personality, adjusting the pace of progress and the amount of assigned tasks accordingly. Since lessons always aim for change and growth, I never mechanically repeat the same content. It is my responsibility to thoughtfully consider and design the unique growth trajectory for each student.

Through this weekly cycle of lesson preparation and reflection, I have come to realize one crucial fact: More important than actual growth itself is the belief that "I am growing right now."

If your high-note connections are slightly smoother than last week, if your pitch accuracy has improved, or if you've started playing rhythms more deliciously, then growth has already occurred. Those small changes—such as suddenly hearing harmonies that were previously inaudible or perceiving detailed grooves for the first time—are what matter. Only when there is a subjective conviction and satisfaction that "I am improving" do I gain the strength to continue practicing. And when trust develops that I am being properly taught and protected by my teacher, growth truly accelerates. Learning goes beyond simply receiving vocal information or techniques; it is a process of entrusting my clumsy path to someone who understands me best.

Ultimately, vocal lessons are not merely about teaching the technical skill of singing well. They are about enabling students to discover their own subtle changes themselves and guiding them to use those changes as leverage to continue taking the next steps without exhaustion. Instilling self-trust and a sense of efficacy is more important than achieving technical milestones; this is the priority work that I, as a trainer, must undertake.

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*This content was translated by AI.