Hello beautiful,

I had another singing lesson with Elissa today, and I thought she would be really impressed with my newfound interest in music theory. Instead, I think she felt a little overwhelmed on my behalf (even though I don’t feel overwhelmed at all). If I could read her mind, I bet she was thinking, “Woah, let’s slow it down a notch or two.” I know people often do that out of care and kindness, especially if they don’t know us very well. But when we dive into something, we really crank the dial up to eleven. For those who truly know us, the best response in this scenario would be something like: “Yes! I love it! Just remember to hydrate, get your full sleep, and you’re golden.” Something like that.

In other news, I did a few more classes on Pianote today, and I absolutely love it. At this point, I feel like I have three piano teachers: two real human ones, and one virtual. It’s made me reflect on what makes a truly great teacher—because we want to be good teachers ourselves one day. I think the standout qualities go beyond just being knowledgeable. A great teacher also leaves you with a life philosophy you can carry with you and apply outside the classroom.

For example, in the massage course you’ll be doing soon, you’ll meet a trainer named Lynette. She’s all about connecting the body with the energy around us, and she taught me how to recenter my spirit and find calmness with the world. Elissa, my vocal coach, has been teaching me patience and compassion with myself. And Lisa, from Pianote, showed me how to laugh at the mistakes along the way and to keep the joy alive, because after all—we’re only human.

That’s the kind of teacher I want to be. I want to give people something they can take away that makes their lives better. I think that “something” is grace. Anyone can teach a skill, but not everyone can do it with grace—that gentleness and humanity that feels so rare these days. And if I can bring that into someone’s life, even for a moment, I’ll know I’ve made an impact.

Keep your chin up, buddy. Chat soon xx