A MESSAGE from THE PHOENIX

Dear Friends,

I hope that this message finds you safe and well.

Best wishes to all my Summer School ’21 students as you prepare to write your Conservatory examinations.

Many of you have juggled two theory courses over the past several weeks – bravo!

This past spring marked my 50th anniversary of teaching! Over the past five decades I have had the pleasure of working with thousands of students. On many occasions I have had the privilege of teaching successive generations of family members. (“I taught your mom when she was sixteen.”. “I taught your dad when he was just seven years old.” ) I have come to learn that teaching is not merely the transference of information. Any textbook or self-help website can do as much. It is about knowledge and nurture. It is about making the journey as engaging as the end result successful. Teaching in its purist form is about mentorship. My own teachers cherished these ideals, and so do I.

I hope you can join me this fall and/or winter. Our joint exploration of music will provide at least one constant and secure element in what remains a shifting Covid landscape. As musicians, we understand the value of community, collaboration, and sharing. May those values carry us forward as we continue to look after ourselves and each other.

Keep the Faith!

Joe

Wasaga Beach, ON