What good is knowledge if it isn’t shared with others?  "Sharing knowledge is not about giving people something, or getting something from them. That is only valid for information sharing. Sharing knowledge occurs when people are genuinely interested in helping one another develop new capacities for action; it is about creating learning processes."  -Peter Senge.

It has truly been an honor teaching the art classes here at Prodigy this past year.  Moving from upstate NY, Prodigy School of Arts very much became a new home for me to explore San Diego and its art scene.  The students I have worked with are all astoundingly talented, intelligent, and prodigious in every aspect, not just the visual arts. 

Facilitating the learning process has always fascinated me; I love to see how people incorporate new ideas and use them to further make sense of themselves and the world around them.  At Prodigy School of Arts, the atmosphere is rich with the desire to learn, grow, be challenged, and constantly strive to become a better version of self.  What a fantastic atmosphere in which to teach. 

The gallery shows have been very rewarding experiences; In addition to seeing the finished product that students and parents see walking through the door, I am able to open up a folder full of sketches, drawings, paintings, and thoughts that have accumulated over the course of twelve or thirteen weeks.  It is in these folders that lie treasures of creativity, trying new techniques, exploring subject matter, and problem-solving that comes naturally in the process of creation. 

As I move on to new adventures, Prodigy will always have a special place in my heart.  I wish all of my students the best of luck, and challenge them to keep their hands in the creative process.

Contributed by Aimee Dupuis, Art Instructor

Teaching is the process of passing knowledge from one being to another. I’ve passed on a lot of musical knowledge – lines, spaces, letters, numbers – to more people than I ever thought I would over the past three and a half years of teaching at Prodigy. What surprised me is how much give and take teaching has turned out to be. I’ve given much but have received just as much, or even more, in return. I’ve received an education in education. Being a music teacher has made me a better musician, and for that I’m very grateful. 

It’s not very common that one gets to do their passion as a paid job but in this case I got lucky. Making music keeps me sane. For me, singing and playing piano relieves stress and anxiety and allows creative juices to flow. Unfortunately life sometimes gets in the way and the business of a full time job, family, friends, and pets puts music on the back burner. This is partly why I’ve loved teaching so much – I’m forced into the studio, to devote time to sitting in front of the piano, to sing, practice and create. I will miss this time immensely, just as I’ll miss spending time with each student weekly. 

During my teaching career I’ve taught students from age four to so old they wouldn’t tell me their age. It has been stimulating and challenging learning the nuances of teaching each different age group and learning style. Everyone learns differently and I’ve tried to reach each student, some of whose brains learn very differently than mine! Most of my students have been children and I’m grateful for the fun of bringing back to life my inner child – as an adult it’s easy to forget the silliness and innocence of being a child. 

I thank each and every one of my students and their families for their commitment to a musical education. I hope you will continue to further yours and your children’s musical skills, as they are skills that constantly test the brain and will be useful for the rest of your lives. It has been a pleasure working with and getting to know each of you! 

Contributed by Anna Roberts, 
Vocal & Piano Instructor