Opinion · Teaching across languages
A child shouldn’t have to translate their own music lesson
One teenager explains the teacher’s feedback to a parent, describes the parent’s expectations to the teacher, and tries to remember the left-hand pattern all at once. Every adult can leave the lesson thinking communication happened because a translation happened. The child had a third job that nobody taught them how to do.
At the end of the lesson, play one example and use two short sentences to sum up what changed today and what to try next. Confirm the summary in the way that works for each adult. A student can contribute their own explanation without being responsible for negotiating fees, expectations or what an exam result means.
Isaac Chap’s stated teaching offer includes English, Cantonese and Mandarin. That gives families a way to ask for a better arrangement up front. Tell the teacher which language the learner wants to use with an instrument in hand and which language the family prefers for logistics and feedback. Those choices can differ.
A student may choose to show an adult the song they worked on. That is sharing music. It lands better once everyone has taken responsibility for the parts of the conversation they can handle themselves.
Sources
Isaac Chap founded Hanashi, whose company runs this publication. The linked music lessons are a separate paid offering.