Ann Davidson brings 30 years of experience to her students
Ann Davidson loves every part of her job as a piano teacher.
“I’m doing what I love to do,” she says. “I get to work with kids, which I really adore. I didn’t have children myself, so its nice to say I have a little family here.”
Davidson completed three degrees and had hopes of entering the business world before becoming a piano teacher some 30 years ago.
“I got a phone call out of the blue from Mount Royal University asking if I would be willing to fill in for a year,” recalls Davidson. “I did a good enough job in the first year that I decided to stay. After about 15 years I went off on my own.”
Since then, Davidson has been teaching piano out of her own home. “I’m very fortunate, I don’t have to supplement with a part-time job,” she says.
The learning never stops with Ann Davidson.
Photo by Breanne Kramer
When she isn’t teaching, Davidson tries to stay active. “Getting to the gym is important,” she says. “I’m a real outdoors person. If I’m not riding my bike, I’m hiking or snowshoeing.”
Davidson teaches 47 kids, and says she has been lucky to work with them as well as with their supportive and encouraging parents.
“Generally speaking, the child will begin at about five or six years old. They will stay with me until they are about 16 or 17. If I’m lucky they will have most of their musical education with me,” says Davidson.
One challenge Davidson faces each week is keeping things relevant for her students.
“It’s very difficult in this day and age, we live in a very technological age,” she says. “So keeping it fresh, keeping it alive for the child can be very challenging.”
Practice makes perfect.
Photo by Breanne Kramer
Davidson says teaching piano to kids affects her in many positive ways, “I feel totally blessed that I have a job that is completely stress-free. I think I give the kids a lot to think about when it comes to life, I often use metaphors with music and life that give them an idea that what we do here has an application outside of the studio,” Davidson says.
Throughout the year, the kids practice for a recital where they perform what they have been learning. Davidson enjoys each and every moment of teaching.
“To me, I know I’ve set a good example for the kids,” she says.
The editor responsible for this article is Caroline Fyvie, cfyvie@cjournal.ca.