Reflecting on 3-5

Those latter lessons (3-5) certainly did feel different from the initial pair. Rather than simply hearing AI-composed music, we actually contrasted it with the kids' favorite tunes. That portion of the class was a blast because they had so much they could analyze. Some mentioned the vocal sections being more realistic and expressive, whereas the instrumentals had more freedom in imagery. I did not even want them to be aware of such differences, but it revealed they did listen and were reflecting more profoundly upon the sounds they heard.

One of the strong moments of the week was the time they got to practice the online keyboard. Each of the kids had this tiny piece—no such thing as a piece, just a bunch of miscellaneous notes—and the AI built it all out into entire songs. It would light them up once they knew their tiny concept could be used for a bigger piece. It got them feeling like they actually were musicians, though in reality, they were just experimenting.

There were two moments too that I’ll most likely be remembering in the years ahead. The first was when the AI went haywire and translated something into a very odd violin song. It sounded funny, and one of the lads laughed so hard he could hardly breathe. In no time, everyone was in stitches at him, and I was included. The other was a stark contrast—another time the AI translated this very slow, melancholy song. One of the pupils got very offended at it and didn’t wish to hear it anymore. That was a moment that reminded me how strong music is, and how it would resonate in a very different manner in each student. Reflecting on the past two weeks in general, I can identify that we have finally started truly getting to know each other. The kids are more comfortable in my presence, and I’m starting to get insight into their characters, about what they laugh at, about the small things that bother them. It isn’t always easy, though. I have to be so patient and a leader of the kids—now and then I have to help them remember where the path is, at others just simply be there and make them process what they’re going through. But I can identify just how necessary it is never to lose control and keep them motivated, no matter what.

These music lessons were not so much about the music. They were about learning the process of finding out that music unites people, that errors are funny and that creating happiness and sadness is all part of learning. It taught me more than anything else that teaching is not merely about teaching a class, it is about creating connections and trust. I think in the two weeks, that connection is already starting to develop.