My Proudest Moments as a Teacher
Welcome to Raising Musos, the podcast (and blog!) that helps parents support their child’s musical journey with expert advice and practical insights. I’m Eliza Bourgault, founder of Music Makers Academy, and today I want to offer a more personal post—one that gives you a small glimpse into my life as a teacher, the moments that have made me proud, and what it’s really like to walk alongside children (and adults) as they grow through music.
The Reality of Teaching Music
I’ll be honest—teaching music is not always easy. In fact, it’s often incredibly challenging.
It requires patience. So much patience. Sometimes I have to explain a concept ten, twenty, even a hundred times before it clicks. Sometimes I feel like I’m repeating myself endlessly. Sometimes I have to push a student harder when they’re ready to quit. And sometimes I feel like quitting myself—because I see potential in a student, and I just can’t seem to unlock it in that moment.
Teaching music means listening carefully, noticing tiny details, and constantly looking for new ways to explain things. It’s emotionally demanding and requires a deep commitment to each student’s journey.
But then—there are the breakthrough moments. The small (and big) wins. The moments when a student suddenly "gets it," or does something courageous, or creative, or heart-stirring. These moments make it all worth it.
Today, I want to share a few stories that have stayed with me—moments that remind me why I do what I do.
🎹 Oscar – The Self-Starter
Oscar started piano lessons with me when he was quite young, and we worked together for about five or six years. Around the age of 12, he began creating his own arrangements of songs he loved—all completely on his own.
No one asked him to. He wasn’t following a curriculum. He just wanted to make music that meant something to him.
Today, Oscar is studying music for his ATAR and is heavily involved in his school’s music program. He performs at school events, takes part in the musical, and continues to explore music in meaningful ways.
Even though he’s no longer taking lessons, I know he’ll keep playing. That, to me, means I’ve done my job. Music is now part of his identity—and even better, it’s something he’s found joy and creativity in.
🎼 Zaria – The Brave Performer
Zaria has been learning harp and piano with me for six years. She’s naturally quiet and introverted, incredibly kind, and one of the sweetest students I’ve ever had.
But when it came to performing, fear would take over. Stage fright, shaky hands, overwhelming anxiety—the first few concerts were hard for her.
Then last year, she made a decision: she was going to face her fear. She signed up to perform at as many events as she could, and we worked hard to prepare her pieces together.
At our next concert, she played beautifully. Then she joined her school orchestra. Then she started performing harp at assemblies and festivals—sometimes even accompanying singers!
What moved me most was seeing her perform, knowing how nervous she was inside. She also gained wisdom through the process—she let go of the need to be perfect, and embraced the idea that performing is like a school test: it’s not about getting 100%, it’s about showing up and doing your best. Zaria grew not just as a musician, but as a person—more self-compassionate, more confident, more open.
🎶 Other Students, Other Stories
There are so many more students I could mention:
Meg and Ella, both adult learners, who now share music with residents in aged care.
Sophia, who plays music at church services and even at a wedding.
Isla and Zaria, who joined their school orchestras and discovered the joy of playing in a group.
Each of them has chosen to share their music with others—to make it bigger than themselves. Whether through performance, collaboration, or service, they’ve discovered something powerful: that music is a gift meant to be shared. And they’ve had the courage to offer it to the world.
Why This Matters
As a teacher, nothing brings me more joy than seeing a student use music to express themselves, to build community, or to overcome a challenge. It’s not always about perfection or progress charts—it’s about confidence, growth, and the lifelong joy of music.
If you’re a parent reading this: thank you for supporting your child’s musical journey. Your role in their success is vital—and when you stay involved, encourage their creativity, and celebrate their wins (big or small), you’re helping them become not just better musicians, but stronger, more resilient people.
📩 Send us a message on Instagram at @musicmakersacademy or email us at hello@musicmakersacademy.com.au.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights on music education!
