In the area I work there are huge Hispanic, Arabic, and Japanese populations. Will my knowing Spanish, Arabic, or Japanese make me a more approachable teacher to these families? What have you found?
This point really became obvious to me at a recent music competition. I was a hall monitor and this sweet Japanese mother came up to me with her daughter. I could tell that the mother was very nervous and unsteady when communicating to me in English. My heart went out to her and I so desperately wanted to speak her in a language familiar to her. But I couldn't. I don't speak even one word of Japanese.
Have you ever had a similar experience? What do you think? Is knowing another language important for a piano teacher?
Photos Courtesy of : YGX and christopherallisonphotography.com
